TS-003679 — The IP is an innovative approach to the preoperative treatment of severe spinal deformities, particularly in medically complex children. Traditionally, halo gravity traction (HGT) has been employed as a preoperative tool, involving hospital admission for the duration of treatment. However, for certain patients, especially those who are too young or medically complex, spinal surgery with instrumentation presents significant risks and challenges. The program offers two innovative pathways: Long-Term HGT: For patients deemed unsuitable candidates for immediate surgery due to medical complexity or unique deformities, a long-term halo gravity traction pathway is proposed. This involves applying the halo, utilizing gravity traction, and postponing definitive surgery to a later date, which would allow for optimization of spinal flexibility. Patients undergo a temporary hospital stay followed by discharge to home with the halo device (with the possibility of surgery considered at a later stage). At-Home HGT: Targeting a different subgroup of patients who are medically fit for spinal instrumentation surgery, the at-home HGT program enables patients to receive halo traction treatment at home instead of an extended hospital stay. After a short-term hospitalization, patients spend the remainder of their treatment period at home with the halo device. This allows for a more comfortable and cost-effective alternative to prolonged hospitalization. Currently in the conceptual stage, the program holds significant potential for transforming the treatment landscape for severe spinal deformities, providing safer, more patient-centric alternatives to traditional approaches.

TS-003678 — The IP is a novel approach to the preoperative treatment of severe spinal deformities, particularly in younger patients. Traditionally, halo gravity traction involves the application of a halo device, which requires hospital admission and fixation in the cranium. However, some patients, namely children, may face challenges with anesthesia or have families who prefer noninvasive treatment options. The IP offers a solution by enabling families to apply traction therapy at home without the need for cranial fixation. The device comprises a torso vest with shoulder straps and an optional head support attachment for children without head control. By securing the patient to a frame, gravity traction is applied to the torso, effectively addressing spinal deformities. Its noninvasive nature eliminates the risks associated with anesthesia and cranial fixation, and it offers the flexibility of home-based treatment, reducing the need for hospitalization and improving patient comfort.

TS-002958 — Hip distraction, or arthrodiastasis, is a surgical option for end-stage diseases of the hip, such as Legg Calve Perthes disease, avascular necrosis, and end-stage osteoarthritis. The procedure improves mobility, decreases pain, and prevents further wear to avoid a total hip arthroplasty. However, the standard of care procedure requires an external device that uses large pins that are kept for 3-4 months which can be distressing for pediatric patients. NCH inventors have developed a completely internal hip-spanning device that allows for distraction and articulated hip motion. This device will likely reduce the problems associated with an external device such as infection, procedure failure, and psychosocial concerns.

TS-002957 — Available 3D spine models do not optimize properties to simulate real-life bones, ligaments, tendons, viscoelasticity, or resistance that is present in a patient. Spine models are used by both surgeons and researchers for surgical planning, simulation, training, research and medical device development. By optimizing 3D printing materials, NCH inventors can produce patient-specific spine models that replicate the viscoelastic properties of the spine for a more accurate rendition. In addition to precise surgical planning, another benefit of utilizing viscoelastic accurate models is further medical device innovation to optimize surgical outcomes.

TS-002701 — Current devices for orthoses patients are limited by preventing providers from accessing patient brace compliance over time data. Researchers at Nationwide Children’s created the Orthosis Compliance Monitoring System to improve patient outcomes. The new cloud-based software automatically uploads wear data to the cloud every night, tracks brace compliance between clinic visits, and enables providers to send reminders and encouragements to patients.