Unmet need: En bloc resections of tumors in the spine require multiple osteotomies to free the specimen from the spinal column. Osteotomies through a vertebral segment can be performed in many different ways, such as using osteotomes, drills, reciprocating saws, and wire saws. Yet, existing techniques are prone to unintentional cutting of adjacent critical soft tissue structures like the spinal cord. Hence, researchers innovated a novel Vertebral Osteotomy Saw Guide that enables producing a reliable, planned osteotomy while minimizing damages to other structures for an improved patient safety and outcome. Advantages include:
- Unique design permits orienting and fixing guide for precise, planned bone removal
- Suitable to mount on rods commonly used during spinal surgery for spinal stabilization
- Permits cutting vertebrae at angles away from critical structures for enhanced patient safety
- Useful in en bloc tumor resections and spinal deformity correction procedures
Technical Details: Johns Hopkins researchers have engineered a Vertebral Osteotomy Saw Guide consisting of two components: firstly, a guide housing the saws that, due to its simple but unique design and orientation, allows the osteotomy to be performed away from critical structures in the region. And secondly, a mount that permits the angle of the guide mount to be adjusted and locked to create a desired cutting plane to produce a precise osteotomy. Together, this device may greatly reduce the potential morbidity and mortality of a major vascular or spinal cord injury in en bloc tumor resections and possibly other surgical procedures, such as spinal deformity corrections.
Patent Status: Pending
