Variable thickness handle driver instrument

Abstract

An orthopedic drive instrument includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a central portion between the first end and the second end, the central portion including a central section having an outer diameter representing a maximum outer diameter of the drive instrument. The first end includes a first drive interface sized and shaped to engage a screw interface of a screw to apply torque to the screw in operation of the instrument. The second end includes a second drive interface sized and shaped the same as the size and shape of the first drive interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to medical devices for treating musculoskeletal disorders, and more specifically to a actuator for spinal or other orthopedic surgery. Background Technology

[0002] Spinal pathologies and conditions, such as scoliosis, kyphosis and other curvature abnormalities, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, osteoporosis, spondylolisthesis, stenosis, tumors, and fractures, can be caused by factors including trauma, disease, and degenerative conditions resulting from injury and aging. Spinal conditions typically lead to symptoms including deformities, pain, nerve damage, and partial or complete loss of mobility.

[0003] Non-surgical treatments such as medication, rehabilitation, and exercise may be effective, but may not relieve the symptoms associated with these conditions. Surgical treatments for these spinal conditions include correction, fusion, fixation, discectomy, laminectomy, and implantable prostheses.

[0004] As part of these surgical treatments, spinal structures such as vertebral rods are often used to provide stability to the treated area. During healing, the rods redirect stress from the damaged or defective area to restore proper alignment and provide general support to the vertebral components.

[0005] During surgical treatment, one or more rods and bone fasteners can be delivered to the surgical site. The rods can be attached to the exterior of two or more vertebral bodies via the bone fasteners. The surgeon can stabilize the vertebra by using a actuator to insert the bone fasteners into the damaged vertebral body and attaching the fasteners to one or more rods to help support and stabilize the damaged vertebra.

[0006] Actuating instruments are used to drive screws into the patient's vertebrae. The same or another actuating instrument or fastening tool can also be used to drive a retaining screw into the screw head to lock the rod in the head.

[0007] Temporary actuators can be used to begin screwing the fixation screw into the screw before final tightening. Simpler and smaller, temporary actuators provide greater tactile feedback to the surgeon, offering a helpful feel for how tight the fixation screw becomes as it is screwed down onto the bar.

[0008] Conventional drives that include temporary drives have disadvantages, including being unilateral in some cases, requiring the user to always ensure the drive end is facing the distal side. Drives that include temporary drives can also be difficult to grip. This disclosure describes improvements to these prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The system disclosed herein generally relates to a actuator for spinal or other orthopedic surgery, and more specifically to a temporary actuator having dual-drive end-drives and a variable-thickness handle.

[0010] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a surgical actuating instrument comprising a first end portion, a second end portion opposite the first end portion, and a central portion situated between the first end portion and the second end portion, the central portion including a central section having an outer diameter representing the maximum outer diameter of the actuating instrument. The first end portion includes a first actuating interface sized and shaped to engage a screw interface of a screw during operation of the instrument to apply torque to the screw. The second end portion includes a second actuating interface sized and shaped identically to the first actuating interface.

[0011] In some cases, the first end has a first segment having a first outer diameter, and the second end includes a second segment having a second outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter.

[0012] The first end may have a first small diameter section having an outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and between the maximum outer diameter of the central section and the first outer diameter of the first section, and the second end may have a second small diameter section having an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the first small diameter section and between the maximum outer diameter of the central section and the second outer diameter of the second section.

[0013] In some cases, the first end has a third segment having a third outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter, the second end includes a fourth segment having a fourth outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter, the first end includes a fifth segment having a fifth outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and between the first segment and the third segment, and the second end includes a sixth segment having a sixth outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and between the second segment and the fourth segment.

[0014] In some embodiments, the outer surface of any surface, such as the outer surface of each of the central segment, the first segment, the second segment, the third segment, the fourth segment, the fifth segment, and the sixth segment, is textured.

[0015] The first end portion may include a first small-diameter segment having an outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and between the maximum outer diameter of the central segment and the first outer diameter of the first segment, and the second end portion may include a second small-diameter segment having an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the first small-diameter segment and between the maximum outer diameter of the central segment and the second outer diameter of the second segment.

[0016] The first end portion may further include a third small diameter segment having an outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and between the first outer diameter and the third outer diameter, and the second end portion may include a fourth small diameter segment having an outer diameter between the second outer diameter and the fourth outer diameter.

[0017] In various embodiments, the device is symmetrical, with the first end having a first size and shape, and the second end having a second size and shape that matches the first size and shape.

[0018] In some cases, the first driver interface is essentially the same as the second driver interface.

[0019] On the other hand, this disclosure provides a surgical actuating instrument having a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a central portion between the first end and the second end, the central portion including a central section having an outer diameter representing the maximum outer diameter of the actuating instrument. In this respect, the first end has a first actuating interface, and the second end includes a second actuating interface.

[0020] The first end may have a first segment having a first outer diameter, and the second end may have a second segment having a second outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter.

[0021] In some cases, the first end portion includes a first small-diameter segment having an outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and between the maximum outer diameter of the central segment and the first outer diameter of the first segment. The second end portion has a second small-diameter segment having an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the first small-diameter segment and between the maximum outer diameter of the central segment and the second outer diameter of the second segment.

[0022] In various embodiments, the first end has a third segment having a third outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter, the second end has a fourth segment having a fourth outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter, the first end has a fifth segment having a fifth outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and between the first segment and the third segment, and the second end has a sixth segment having a sixth outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and between the second segment and the fourth segment.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first end has a first small diameter segment having an outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and between the maximum outer diameter of the central segment and the first outer diameter of the first segment, and the second end has a second small diameter segment having an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the first small diameter segment and between the maximum outer diameter of the central segment and the second outer diameter of the second segment.

[0024] Any one of the surfaces of the instrument may be textured. Furthermore, the instrument may be symmetrical, with the first end having a first size and shape, and the second end having a second size and shape that matches the first size and shape.

[0025] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a surgical actuating instrument comprising a first end portion, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and a central portion having a central segment having an outer diameter representing the maximum outer diameter of the actuating instrument. The first end portion has a first segment having a first outer diameter, and the second end portion includes a second segment having a second outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter. The first end portion also has a first small-diameter segment having an outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and between the maximum outer diameter of the central segment and the first outer diameter of the first segment. The second end portion has a second small-diameter segment having an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the first small-diameter segment and between the maximum outer diameter of the central segment and the second outer diameter of the second segment.

[0026] The apparatus described in this aspect may include any of the features described above in conjunction with the first two aspects of this disclosure.

[0027] Details of one or more aspects of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the technology described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description and illustrations and from the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 An isometric view of a multi-thickness handle driver according to an embodiment of the present technology; and

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The side or top view of the driver in the image. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The system disclosed herein relates to an orthopedic actuator, such as a temporary actuator with dual-drive end drives, the actuator having a variable-thickness handle.

[0031] Now turn to the attached diagram, and more specifically... Figure 1 The actuators according to embodiments of the present disclosure are generally indicated by reference numeral 100.

[0032] As described above, the actuator 100 can be a temporary actuator and is not limited to spinal surgery. The actuator 100 can be used for temporary and / or final screw tightening and can be used in other orthopedic surgeries, for example.

[0033] The surgery can be posterior or anterior spinal surgery. It can be minimally invasive or minimally invasive open surgery.

[0034] The driver 100 extends between opposing ends 110 and 120. Ends 110 and 120 include respective drive interfaces 111 and 112. Drive interfaces 111 and 112 may have any suitable configuration for engaging with screws used with the driver 100.

[0035] The screw may include a retaining screw for screwing into the head of the bone screw to lock the rod in the head. The screw and rod can be of any conventional type and are therefore not shown in the accompanying drawings for simplicity.

[0036] The driver 100 can be used to begin screwing the fixation screw into the screw before final tightening. The temporary driver is simpler and smaller, and can provide the surgeon with greater tactile feedback, giving a helpful feel for how tightly the fixation screw becomes as it is screwed down into the head and onto the rod.

[0037] In various embodiments, the actuator 100 includes a variable thickness handle 125 located between end 110 and end 120. The variable thickness handle 125 may be referred to by other terms, such as a multi-thickness handle, a variable outer diameter (OD) handle, a multi-OD handle, a multi-thickness handle, etc.

[0038] The actuator 100 may be referred to as a stirring rod, and is therefore called, for example, a variable thickness actuator or stirring rod, a multi-thickness actuator or stirring rod, a variable outer diameter (OD) actuator or stirring rod, a multi-OD actuator or stirring rod, a multi-thickness actuator or stirring rod, etc.

[0039] In various embodiments, the variable thickness handle 125 includes at least two portions or sections with different thicknesses or outer diameters (OD). The sections include at least one thicker or wider section and at least one thinner section.

[0040] The surfaces of all driver sections are indicated by reference numeral 101. The surfaces may have any one or more of a variety of surface textures, including smooth, pitted, ridged, irregular, rough, textured, variable textured, etc.

[0041] The variable thickness handle 105 includes at least one intermediate or central portion 130. The intermediate portion 130 includes an intermediate section 132, which in various embodiments represents the maximum OD or thickness 131 of the actuator 100. In various cases, the main section 131 is exactly or approximately centered between the ends 110 and 120 of the actuator 110.

[0042] The intermediate section 131 can be referred to by any different terms, such as central section, maximum diameter section, large diameter section, maximum section, center section, middle section, first section, main section, main or first gripping part or gripping section, etc.

[0043] The variable thickness handle 105 includes at least one narrower handle portion or a second handle portion 140. The narrower handle portion 140 in the illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of narrower segments 142, 144, 146, and 148. The narrower portion 140 has at least one OD or thickness 141. Segments 140 can be referred to using any different terms, such as smaller diameter segment, second segment, secondary segment, second grip portion, or grip section, etc.

[0044] In some embodiments, the smaller diameter of the narrower handle segment 140 is sized and shaped to facilitate, aid in, or allow certain placement of the device 100 relative to an implant used with the device. As an example, in some embodiments, the smaller diameter of the narrower handle segment 140 is sized and shaped to facilitate, aid in, or allow collinear placement of the device 100 into a screw-like tubular screw. The smaller segment can be configured (e.g., made with a geometry) such that a user can place either drive interface 111, drive interface 112 into the tubular portion of such a screw. This would be impossible if the portion of the drive too far from the intermediate portion 130 had a larger diameter of the intermediate segment 132, because the larger diameter outside the intermediate portion would obstruct the drive from entering the tubular portion of such a screw, and therefore interfaces 111, interfaces 112 would not reach the screw interface. As with all screws, the device 100 of this technology facilitates the initiation of such screws into bone, and placement can be made easier or possible for this type and other types of screws, depending on the screw and the size of the narrower segment 140.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, each segment of the narrower portion 140 has the same or substantially the same thickness 141. In a contemplated embodiment, two or more segments of the narrower portion 140 have different thicknesses.

[0046] The variable thickness handle 105 in various embodiments includes at least one narrowest handle portion 150. The use of the term "narrowest" does not necessarily mean that the segment of the narrowest portion 150 is strictly the narrowest segment of the main portions 130, 140, 150 or the actuator 100. The description may explicitly state such a situation. Segment 150 may be referred to by any of the various terms, such as minimum diameter segment, third segment, tertiary segment, third grip portion, or grip section, etc.

[0047] For embodiments that include a third or narrowest portion and segment, the second, narrower portion or segment may be referred to as an intermediate thickness portion and segment, an intermediate diameter portion and segment, and an intermediate OD portion and segment, etc., in addition to any terms mentioned above for the second portion 140 or the second segment.

[0048] The narrowest handle section 150 in the illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of narrower sections 152, 154, 156, and 158. The narrowest portion 150 has at least one OD or thickness 151. In the illustrated embodiment, each narrowest section of the narrowest portion 150 has the same or substantially the same thickness 151. In a contemplated embodiment, two or more sections of the narrowest portion 150 have different thicknesses.

[0049] The variable thickness of the handle 125 helps surgeons and anyone manipulating the actuator 100 to perform stable manipulation. The user's fingers can grip and manipulate more effectively, including applying torque using segments of the actuator 100 with varying thicknesses. With different thicknesses available, the user's fingers can naturally and better adapt to gripping the thicker and / or thinner areas of the actuator 100.

[0050] A secure grip can be achieved by using primarily or entirely the fingertips or distal phalanges for an easy hold, allowing for better feel and control when using the driver 100. Larger, conventional drivers may require more use of the user's hand, such as using some or more of the palm and other phalanges near the distal phalanges.

[0051] In various applications, the actuator 100 is configured to include applying torque by enabling the main part 130 to be easily manipulated by a user using her palm or the palm of one hand and the distal phalanges of the other hand.

[0052] The increased, robust gripability achieved by the design of this technology also allows the surgeon to apply greater torque in some or all cases than she could with a conventional gripper.

[0053] Increased maneuverability can also facilitate easier and faster rotation, allowing the screw to be driven more quickly or at higher speeds.

[0054] It should be understood that the various aspects disclosed herein can be combined in combinations other than those specifically presented in the detailed description and accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that, depending on the instance, certain actions or events in any process or method described herein may be performed in a different order, added, combined, or omitted entirely (e.g., not all described actions or events are necessary for implementing the described technology).

[0055] Furthermore, for clarity, although certain aspects of this disclosure are described as being performed by a single module or unit, it should be understood that the technology of this disclosure can be performed by a combination of units or modules associated with, for example, a medical device.

[0056] Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms shall be interpreted as broadly as possible, including their implied meaning from the specification and their meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and / or as defined in dictionaries, papers, etc. It must also be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used in the specification and appended claims include plural references, and the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” as used in this specification specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0057] It should be understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments in this disclosure. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but only as an illustration of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will conceive of other modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A surgical actuation device comprising: First end; The second end, which is opposite to the first end; and A central portion, located between the first end and the second end, the central portion comprising a central section having an outer diameter representing the maximum outer diameter of the drive mechanism; The first end portion includes a first drive interface, the size and shape of which are configured to engage a screw interface of a screw during operation of the instrument to apply torque to the screw; and The second end includes a second drive interface with the same size and shape as the first drive interface. in, The first end portion includes a first segment having a first outer diameter; and The second end includes a second segment having a second outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter; The first end portion includes a third segment having a third outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter; The second end includes a fourth segment having a fourth outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter; The first end portion includes a fifth segment having a fifth outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and situated between the first segment and the third segment; and The second end includes a sixth segment having a sixth outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and located between the second segment and the fourth segment.

2. The orthopedic driving device according to claim 1, wherein: The first end portion includes a first small-diameter segment having an outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, and is located between the central segment and the first segment; and The second end includes a second small-diameter segment, the second small-diameter segment having an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the first small-diameter segment, and located between the central segment and the second segment.

3. The orthopedic driving instrument according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of each of the central segment, the first segment, the second segment, the third segment, the fourth segment, the fifth segment, and the sixth segment is textured.

4. The orthopedic driving device according to claim 1, wherein: The first end portion includes a third small-diameter segment, the third small-diameter segment having an outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and intermediate between the first outer diameter and the third outer diameter; and The second end includes a fourth small diameter segment, the fourth small diameter segment having an outer diameter between the second outer diameter and the fourth outer diameter.

5. The orthopedic driving instrument according to claim 1, wherein the instrument is symmetrical, the first end has a first size and shape, and the second end has a second size and shape matching the first size and shape.

6. The orthopedic driving instrument according to claim 1, wherein the first driving interface is substantially the same as the second driving interface.

7. A surgical actuation device comprising: First end; The second end, which is opposite to the first end; and A central portion, located between the first end and the second end, the central portion comprising a central section having an outer diameter representing the maximum outer diameter of the drive mechanism; The first end includes a first drive interface, and the second end includes a second drive interface; in, The first end portion includes a first segment having a first outer diameter; and The second end includes a second segment having a second outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter; The first end portion includes a third segment having a third outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter; The second end includes a fourth segment having a fourth outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter; The first end portion includes a fifth segment having a fifth outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and situated between the first segment and the third segment; and The second end includes a sixth segment having a sixth outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and located between the second segment and the fourth segment.

8. The orthopedic driving device according to claim 7, wherein: The first end portion includes a first small-diameter segment having an outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, and is located between the central segment and the first segment; and The second end includes a second small-diameter segment, the second small-diameter segment having an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the first small-diameter segment, and located between the central segment and the second segment.

9. The orthopedic driving instrument according to claim 7, wherein the outer surfaces of the central section, the first section, the second section, the third section, the fourth section, the fifth section, and the sixth section are textured.

10. The orthopedic driving instrument of claim 7, wherein the instrument is symmetrical, the first end having a first size and shape, and the second end having a second size and shape matching the first size and shape.

11. A surgical actuation device comprising: First end; The second end, which is opposite to the first end; and A central portion, located between the first end and the second end, the central portion comprising a central section having an outer diameter representing the maximum outer diameter of the drive mechanism; in: The first end portion includes a first segment having a first outer diameter; The second end includes a second segment having a second outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter; The first end portion includes a first small-diameter segment having an outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, and is located between the central segment and the first segment; and The second end includes a second small-diameter segment, the second small-diameter segment having an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the first small-diameter segment, and situated between the central segment and the second segment, wherein: The first end portion includes a third segment having a third outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter; The second end includes a fourth segment having a fourth outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter; The first end portion includes a fifth segment having a fifth outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and situated between the first segment and the third segment; and The second end includes a sixth segment having a sixth outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and located between the second segment and the fourth segment.

12. The orthopedic driving device according to claim 11, wherein: The first end portion includes a third small-diameter segment, the third small-diameter segment having an outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter and between the third outer diameter and the fifth outer diameter; and The second end includes a fourth small diameter segment having an outer diameter equal to that of the first small diameter segment and an outer diameter between the second outer diameter and the fourth outer diameter.

13. The orthopedic driving instrument according to claim 11, wherein the outer surfaces of the central section, the first section, the second section, the third section, the fourth section, the fifth section, and the sixth section are textured.

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