A Wireless Load Measurement Tool for Spine Surgery

Comprehensively understanding the mechanics of loads transmitted to the spine during scoliosis corrective surgery will improve surgical outcome and patient safety. A system consisting of wireless instrumented hooks and screws, and a wireless data acquisition system was developed to measure the loads and moments imposed during scoliosis surgery. From laboratory tests, the maximum error of posterior/anterior forces and moments were 2-3% of the maximum loads during surgery. This study improves the understanding of mechanics during surgical correction