AI-Optimized Modular Spinal Construct Extension System

Publication ID: 24-11857223_0003_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “AI-Optimized Modular Spinal Construct Extension System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857223_0003_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857223_0003_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,223.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A novel system integrating artificial intelligence, IoT, blockchain, and advanced materials to optimize and personalize spinal construct extensions, enhancing patient outcomes and surgical efficiency.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a modular apparatus for extending an existing spinal construct, addressing the emerging trend of adjacent disc degeneration subsequent to previous fixation or fusion. However, the existing solution lacked the capability to adapt to individual patient needs and optimize the extension process. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by integrating distinct technologies to create a more powerful and personalized system.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The AI-Optimized Modular Spinal Construct Extension System comprises a modular apparatus, similar to the original patent, but enhanced with artificial intelligence to optimize the modular extension for a patient's specific spinal anatomy and surgical history. The system utilizes machine learning algorithms to predict the optimal extension configuration, which is then executed using the modular apparatus. Additionally, the system incorporates IoT sensors to monitor and adjust the spinal fixation in real-time, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing complications. A blockchain-based data storage system securely stores and manages patient data and surgical outcomes, enabling data-driven decision making and improved patient care. Furthermore, the system features a novel material with enhanced biocompatibility and strength, and a locking element with AI-powered self-adjusting capabilities, ensuring a secure and personalized fit.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept's integration of artificial intelligence, IoT, blockchain, and advanced materials provides a synergistic combination that is not obvious from the original patent. The AI-optimized modular extension, real-time monitoring, and blockchain-based data management introduce a new level of personalization and efficiency in spinal construct extensions, distinguishing the new inventive concept from the prior art.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the AI-Optimized Modular Spinal Construct Extension System could include varying AI algorithms, different IoT sensor configurations, and diverse blockchain architectures. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other orthopedic applications, such as hip or knee replacements, or integrated with other medical technologies, such as robotic surgery systems.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The AI-Optimized Modular Spinal Construct Extension System has significant commercial potential in the spinal surgery market, estimated to reach $14.4 billion by 2025. The system's ability to personalize and optimize spinal construct extensions, enhance patient outcomes, and improve surgical efficiency positions it for widespread adoption in hospitals and surgical centers. Furthermore, the system's integration of AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies opens up opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with technology companies, medical device manufacturers, and healthcare providers.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A61	A61B17/7052
A	A61	A61B2017/00477

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Orthopedic surgical technologies, specifically spinal construct modification and augmentation systems, involving biomechanical engineering, medical device design, and surgical intervention techniques

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience in spinal medical technologies, familiar with modular surgical systems, materials science, and emerging medical technology integration strategies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating artificial intelligence, IoT monitoring, and blockchain data management into an existing modular spinal construct extension represents predictable technological enhancement using known interdisciplinary techniques. The core mechanical functionality remains consistent with the source patent, while software and sensor technologies provide incremental improvements in personalization and performance tracking. These variations represent standard technological evolution in medical device design, applying known computational methods to an established mechanical framework.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Modular rod extender with attachment features for spinal constructs

PTD Variation

Adding AI-powered configuration optimization algorithms to predict optimal extension parameters

Obviousness Reasoning

Applying machine learning to medical device configuration is a known technique for personalizing medical interventions, representing a predictable application of computational methods to existing mechanical systems

Source Patent Element

Mechanical locking mechanism for spinal construct components

PTD Variation

Incorporating IoT sensors for real-time monitoring and self-adjusting capabilities

Obviousness Reasoning

Integrating sensor technologies into medical devices is a standard approach for enhancing performance monitoring and adaptive response, representing an obvious technological progression

Source Patent Element

Modular spinal construct extension apparatus

PTD Variation

Implementing blockchain-based secure data management for patient records and surgical outcomes

Obviousness Reasoning

Using blockchain for medical data management is a known technique for improving security and interoperability, representing a straightforward technological enhancement with predictable implementation strategies

Source Patent Element

Existing spinal construct extension methodology

PTD Variation

Developing advanced biocompatible materials with enhanced mechanical properties

Obviousness Reasoning

Material science improvements are a standard approach in medical device design, representing an expected evolutionary step in technological development

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857223 and the disclosed technological variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed AI-enhanced, IoT-integrated, blockchain-managed spinal construct extension system to be an obvious combination of known medical device design techniques, rendering potential claims covering such variations unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103 due to the predictable application of computational and sensor technologies to existing mechanical surgical systems.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,223
Title	Modular apparatus for extending an existing spinal construct
Assignee(s)	SPINE WAVE, INC.