Automated machine learning design of orthopedic implants and methods for using same

A pre-contoured spinal fixation rod comprising:

• an elongated biocompatible body having a permanent curvature that, when indexed to lumbar spinal levels, provides a distribution of segmental lordosis angles across at least L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 corresponding to a selected one of six pelvic incidence categories comprising <40°, 40-50°, 50-60°, 60-70°, 70-80°, and >80°;
• and
• a plurality of permanent, visually contrasting bands formed at two or more spaced positions along the body that coincide with planned tulip-head seating locations for corresponding vertebral levels,
• wherein the bands are positioned to align the rod within tulip heads such that, at each corresponding vertebral level, one or more screw angulations relative to a corresponding superior endplate and posterior and distal offsets of the tulip head with respect to a postero-superior corner of the vertebral body are satisfied when the rod is seated in the tulip heads.