Vertify Probe

Overview:

Researchers at the University of Louisville have developed the Vertify Probe, an innovative device that enhances spinal surgery outcomes by significantly improving measurement and interpretation of bone density during surgery. Unlike traditional bone density (DEXA) scans, which lacks the specificity to accurately predict hardware failure risk, the Vertify Probe provides real-time assessment of bone properties such as stiffness and compressive strength. This advanced capability allows surgeons to make more informed decisions regarding screw placement and selection during surgery regardless of osteoporosis diagnosis. As a result, the Vertify Probe improves surgical outcomes by reducing the risk of screw and hardware failure, and ultimately revision surgeries.  

Highlights:

• ​Device provides surgeons with real-time bone quality information to make the best surgical procedure decisions. 

• Intraoperative device for bone quality assessment that does not require additional surgical steps. 

• Device assesses stiffness and compressive strength prior to implanting surgical screws. 

Benefits: 

1. Device provides a real-time assessment of bone density and quality.
2. The single-use device provides intraoperative measurements quickly, safely, and accurately, reducing the number of hardware failures and revision surgeries .
3. The probe can be used to guide surgical techniques and bone augmentation strategies for spine and orthopedic surgeries. 

Applications:

The Vertify Probe can be used by surgeons during a variety of spine and orthopedic surgeries in which bone quality impacts the success of surgery. The device does not require additional surgical steps for real-time assessment of bone quality to guide decision making in hardware selection and placement. 

IP Status: ​

Patent Issued 

Inventors:

• Maxwell Boakye
• Michael Voor
• Stuart Williams

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