Anterior thoracolumbar fracture dislocation external reduction device and method of use

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of thoracolumbar fracture dislocation reduction, and discloses a thoracolumbar fracture dislocation in-vitro emergency reduction device and a use method, aiming to solve the technical problem that the thoracolumbar fracture in-vitro fixation device cannot effectively adapt to the size difference of spinous processes of patients of different ages and is difficult to fit the physiological curvature of the back. The present application comprises a connecting assembly convenient to assemble, which is connected by multiple connecting units; adjacent two connecting units are connected by a connecting rod; each connecting unit comprises a first block and a second block, and mounting holes for passing Kirschner wires are formed on the first block and the second block; the relative positions between the Kirschner wires and the connecting units are adjusted to adjust the spatial posture of the vertebrae. The present application is convenient to operate, and the threaded pair structure between the Kirschner wires and the connecting assembly can realize accurate and progressive adjustment of the position of the vertebrae.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of reduction technology for thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures and dislocations, and particularly to an external emergency reduction device for thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures and dislocations and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] Thoracic vertebral fracture-dislocation is a common and serious trauma in spinal surgery, often accompanied by varying degrees of vertebral compression, rotation, or slippage. If not promptly and effectively reduced, it can lead to serious consequences such as spinal stenosis, nerve compression, or even paraplegia. Traditional posterior pedicle screw-rod fixation is a common surgical procedure for treating thoracic vertebral fracture-dislocation, which achieves fracture reduction and fixation by implanting pedicle screws and installing connecting rods.

[0003] Chinese patent document 202310885100.6 discloses an invention that discloses a dislocation and reduction device for thoracolumbar vertebral fractures and dislocations. The device includes: a first transverse dislocation structure, a second transverse dislocation structure, a first longitudinal dislocation structure, and a second longitudinal dislocation structure. The first transverse dislocation structure is sequentially connected to a first sleeve, a first left-side rotating component, a first transverse dislocation component, a first right-side rotating component, and a second sleeve. The second transverse dislocation structure is the same as the first transverse dislocation structure. The first longitudinal dislocation structure includes baffles at both ends, a longitudinal dislocation component, a locking component, a first connector, and a second connector. The second longitudinal dislocation structure is the same as the first longitudinal dislocation structure.

[0004] However, traditional surgical methods have the following shortcomings: First, external fixation devices for thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures cannot effectively adapt to the differences in spinous process size among patients of different ages, are difficult to conform to the physiological curvature of the back, and lack the ability to perform precise external axial fine-tuning reduction of fractured and dislocated vertebrae.

[0005] In recent years, percutaneous minimally invasive spinal fixation techniques have been developed, but pedicle screw systems are still required. How to provide an external emergency reduction device for thoracolumbar fractures and dislocations, and its usage method, is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above technical problems, this disclosure provides an external emergency reduction device and method for using thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures and dislocations, which solves the technical problems of existing external fixation devices for thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures that cannot effectively adapt to the differences in spinous process size of patients of different ages, are difficult to conform to the physiological curvature of the back, and lack the ability to perform precise external axial fine-tuning reduction of fractured and dislocated vertebrae.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an external emergency reduction device for thoracic and lumbar vertebral fracture-dislocation is provided, comprising a connecting assembly that is easy to assemble, said connecting assembly being composed of multiple connecting units arranged sequentially along the length direction; adjacent connecting units are connected by a connecting rod.

[0008] Each connecting unit includes a first block and a second block, which are connected by a hinge so that the connecting unit conforms to the physiological curvature of the patient's vertebrae; both the first block and the second block have mounting holes for inserting Kirschner wires.

[0009] The Kirschner wire is inserted into the mounting hole and is used to fix the connecting unit to the spinous process of the target vertebra; by adjusting the relative position between the Kirschner wire and the connecting unit, the spatial posture of the vertebra is adjusted.

[0010] The spacing between the mounting holes on the first and second blocks is not exactly the same, in order to accommodate the size differences of the spinous processes of vertebrae in different individuals and segments.

[0011] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the mounting hole is a threaded hole, the tail of the Kirschner wire is provided with an external thread that matches the threaded hole, and the Kirschner wire is connected to the connecting unit by a threaded engagement.

[0012] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the connecting unit has at least three holes, and each connecting unit has mounting holes with different hole spacing, corresponding to the spinous process anatomical dimensions of children, young adults and the elderly respectively.

[0013] In some embodiments of this disclosure, an auxiliary fixation strap or auxiliary positioning clip is also included. The auxiliary fixation strap or auxiliary positioning clip is disposed outside the connecting component and is used to bind or clamp the connecting component to the patient's back during adjustment and fixation to prevent overall slippage.

[0014] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the connecting unit is further provided with a locking member, which is used to lock and fix the Kirschner wire to the connecting unit after the Kirschner wire position is adjusted, so as to prevent the Kirschner wire from axially retracting relative to the mounting hole.

[0015] A method for using an external emergency reduction device for thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures and dislocations includes the following steps:

[0016] S1. Modular selection and assembly: Obtain a connecting assembly consisting of multiple connecting units, and select a connecting unit whose hole spacing matches the width of the patient's spinous process based on the anatomical width of the spinous process.

[0017] The selected connecting units are connected sequentially along the length direction using connecting rods to form a connecting assembly that runs through multiple vertebrae.

[0018] S2. Back physiological curvature adaptation: The assembled connecting component is attached to the patient's back. The connecting component is bent or twisted by the hinge structure between the first and second blocks in each connecting unit so that the shape of the connecting component adapts to the physiological curvature of the patient's thoracic and lumbar spine.

[0019] S3. External auxiliary positioning: After the connecting component is fitted to the patient's back and bent to a suitable shape, the connecting component is temporarily fixed to the patient's back by an auxiliary fixing strap or auxiliary positioning clip located outside the connecting component to prevent it from slipping relative to the patient during subsequent operations.

[0020] S4. Kirschner wire insertion and spinous process anchoring: Pass multiple Kirschner wires through the mounting holes on the corresponding connecting units and fix the tips of the Kirschner wires into the spinous process bone of the target vertebra.

[0021] S5. Relative displacement adjustment and attitude reset: Through the threaded engagement structure, each Kirschner wire is rotated independently. By using the relative screwing in or out between the external thread at the tail of the Kirschner wire and the internal thread of the mounting hole, each Kirschner wire is driven to generate relative displacement along its axial direction.

[0022] By utilizing the axial displacement of each Kirschner wire, a supporting or traction force is applied to the target vertebra, thereby adjusting the spatial posture of the fractured or dislocated vertebra until the reduction requirement is achieved.

[0023] In some embodiments of this disclosure, after completing the relative displacement adjustment and attitude reset of each Kirschner wire in step S5, the method further includes:

[0024] S6. Locking and Anti-retraction: Activate the locking device on the connecting unit to apply radial locking force to the Kirschner wire passing through the mounting hole, locking the axial relative position of the Kirschner wire and the connecting unit, and preventing the reset Kirschner wire from retracting during the waiting period for subsequent surgery.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0026] Minimal trauma and rapid recovery: This device only requires percutaneous implantation of a Kirschner wire to the spinous process, without extensive muscle dissection. The surgical incision is small, bleeding is minimal, postoperative pain is mild, and the patient's recovery period is significantly shortened.

[0027] Simple structure and easy operation: This device consists of only Kirschner wires and connecting plates, with few parts and simple assembly. The operator's learning curve is short, and the operation can be completed under ordinary fluoroscopic guidance, reducing the dependence on high-end equipment (such as navigation robots).

[0028] Precise adjustment and good controllability: Through the threaded pair or groove structure between the Kirschner wire and the connecting plate, the position of the vertebra can be precisely and gradually adjusted.

[0029] Highly adaptable: The connecting plate can be prefabricated into an arc shape according to the physiological curvature of the thoracic spine, adapting to the anatomical characteristics of different segments. The number of Kirschner wires can be adjusted according to the extent of fracture involvement, offering high flexibility.

[0030] Instant reduction and maintenance in one: This device can achieve fracture reduction through adjustment, and can also serve as a temporary external fixation frame to maintain the reduction state after reduction, providing stable temporary support for subsequent fixation (such as pedicle screw system) implantation.

[0031] Compatible with other surgical procedures: This device can be used as an auxiliary reduction tool in conjunction with posterior pedicle screw fixation to improve the reduction effect of complex fractures and dislocations.

[0032] This invention uses a multi-section connecting unit with varying hole spacing on each section, catering to children, young adults, and the elderly respectively. Clinicians can select connecting units with matching hole spacing based on the patient's age for assembly. This effectively addresses the limitations of traditional fixation devices, such as their uniform size and difficulty in matching individual differences, particularly for children with incomplete development or the elderly with osteoporosis and degeneration. It also improves the device's versatility and ease of operation in emergency care.

[0033] In each connecting unit of this invention, the first and second blocks are connected by a hinge structure, and adjacent segments form a flexible chain structure through connecting rods. In clinical use, it can be bent along the patient's thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, perfectly conforming to the physiological curvature of the patient's body surface. This adaptive fit avoids the local skin pressure and suspension problems caused by traditional rigid braces, providing a stable foundation for subsequent Kirschner wire insertion and positioning.

[0034] This invention features an external thread at the tail of the Kirschner wire, which engages with the internal thread of the mounting hole. In practice, the physician can independently control the axial movement of a single Kirschner wire by rotating the Kirschner wires on the connecting unit, utilizing the thread. This allows for highly efficient external reduction of fractures and dislocations without the need for open reduction.

[0035] This invention features a simple structure with few components. The connecting units can be quickly assembled using connecting rods, eliminating the need for complex tools. Combined with auxiliary fixation straps or positioning clips, the device can be installed and secured on the back in a short time, providing valuable buffer time for the patient's subsequent definitive surgical treatment.

[0036] Kirschner wires are inserted into the spinous process by fitting tightly into the threaded hole, and are double-locked by external auxiliary positioning clips and subsequent locking components. This effectively prevents the Kirschner wires from slipping or dislodging during patient transport or changes in body position, ensuring the reliability of fixation strength and reducing the risk of secondary injury. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an external emergency reduction device for thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures and dislocations.

[0038] Figure 2 Another structural diagram of an external emergency reduction device for thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures and dislocations;

[0039] The components in the diagram are named as follows: 1. Connecting unit; 2. First block; 3. Second block; 4. Kirschner wire; 5. Mounting hole; 6. Connecting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] This example discloses an external emergency reduction device for thoracolumbar vertebral fractures and dislocations. (See also...) Figures 1 to 2 It includes a connecting component that is easy to assemble. The connecting component is composed of multiple connecting units 1 arranged sequentially along the length direction. Adjacent connecting units 1 are connected by a connecting rod 6.

[0043] Each connecting unit 1 includes a first block 2 and a second block 3, which are connected by a hinge so that the connecting unit conforms to the physiological curvature of the patient's vertebrae; both the first block and the second block have mounting holes 5 for inserting Kirschner wires 4.

[0044] Kirschner wire 4 is inserted into mounting hole 5. Kirschner wire 4 is used to fix connecting unit 1 to the spinous process of target vertebra. By adjusting the relative position between Kirschner wire 4 and connecting unit 1, the spatial posture of vertebra is adjusted.

[0045] The spacing between the mounting holes 5 on the first block 2 and the second block 3 is not exactly the same, in order to accommodate the size differences of the spinous processes of vertebrae in different individuals and segments.

[0046] Mounting hole 5 is a threaded hole, and the tail of Kirschner wire 4 is provided with an external thread that matches the threaded hole. Kirschner wire and connecting unit are connected by thread engagement.

[0047] The connecting unit has at least three holes, and each connecting unit has mounting holes with different hole spacing, corresponding to the spinous process anatomical dimensions of children, young adults and the elderly respectively.

[0048] It also includes auxiliary fixation straps or auxiliary positioning clips, which are set on the outside of the connecting components to bind or clamp the connecting components to the patient's back during adjustment and fixation, preventing overall slippage.

[0049] The connecting unit is also equipped with a locking component, which is used to lock and fix the Kirschner wire to the connecting unit after the Kirschner wire position is adjusted, so as to prevent the Kirschner wire from axially retracting relative to the mounting hole.

[0050] A method for using an external emergency reduction device for thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures and dislocations includes the following steps:

[0051] S1. Modular selection and assembly: Obtain a connecting assembly consisting of multiple connecting units, and select a connecting unit whose hole spacing matches the width of the patient's spinous process based on the anatomical width of the spinous process.

[0052] The selected connecting units are connected sequentially along the length direction using connecting rods to form a connecting assembly that runs through multiple vertebrae.

[0053] S2. Back physiological curvature self-adaptation: The assembled connecting components are fitted to the patient's back. The connecting components are bent or twisted by the hinge structure between the first and second blocks in each connecting unit, so that the shape of the connecting components adapts to the physiological curvature of the patient's thoracic and lumbar spine.

[0054] S3. External auxiliary positioning: After the connecting component is fitted to the patient's back and bent to the appropriate shape, the connecting component is temporarily fixed to the patient's back by the auxiliary fixing strap or auxiliary positioning clip located outside the connecting component to prevent it from slipping relative to the patient during subsequent operations.

[0055] S4. Kirschner wire insertion and spinous process anchoring: Pass multiple Kirschner wires through the mounting holes on the corresponding connecting units and fix the tips of the Kirschner wires into the spinous process bone of the target vertebra.

[0056] S5. Relative displacement adjustment and attitude reset: Through the threaded mating structure, each Kirschner wire can be rotated independently. By using the relative screwing in or out between the external thread at the tail of the Kirschner wire and the internal thread of the mounting hole, each Kirschner wire is driven to generate relative displacement along its axial direction.

[0057] By utilizing the axial displacement of each Kirschner wire, a supporting or traction force is applied to the target vertebra, thereby adjusting the spatial posture of the fractured or dislocated vertebra until the reduction requirement is achieved.

[0058] In S5, after adjusting the relative displacement and resetting the attitude of each Kirschner wire, the following steps are also included:

[0059] S6, Locking and Anti-retraction: Activate the locking device on the connecting unit to apply radial locking force to the Kirschner wire inserted in the mounting hole, locking the axial relative position of the Kirschner wire and the connecting unit, preventing the reset Kirschner wire from retracting while waiting for subsequent surgery.

[0060] Although some preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention.

[0061] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An external emergency reduction device for thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures and dislocations, characterized in that: It includes a connecting component that is easy to assemble, the connecting component being composed of multiple connecting units arranged sequentially along the length direction; adjacent connecting units are connected by a connecting rod. Each connecting unit includes a first block and a second block, which are connected by a hinge so that the connecting unit conforms to the physiological curvature of the patient's vertebrae; both the first block and the second block have mounting holes for inserting Kirschner wires. Kirschner wires are inserted into the mounting holes and are used to fix the connecting unit to the spinous process of the target vertebra; by adjusting the relative position between the Kirschner wires and the connecting unit, the spatial posture of the vertebra is adjusted. The spacing between the mounting holes on the first and second blocks is not exactly the same, in order to accommodate the size differences of the spinous processes of vertebrae in different individuals and segments.

2. The external emergency reduction device for thoracolumbar vertebral fractures and dislocations as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting hole is a threaded hole, and the tail of the Kirschner wire is provided with an external thread that matches the threaded hole. The Kirschner wire and the connecting unit are connected by a threaded engagement.

3. The external emergency reduction device for thoracolumbar vertebral fractures and dislocations as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting unit has at least three holes, and each connecting unit has mounting holes with different hole spacing, corresponding to the spinous process anatomical dimensions of children, young adults and the elderly respectively.

4. The external emergency reduction device for thoracolumbar vertebral fractures and dislocations as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes auxiliary fixation straps or auxiliary positioning clips, which are disposed on the outside of the connecting component and are used to bind or clamp the connecting component to the patient's back during adjustment and fixation to prevent overall slippage.

5. The external emergency reduction device for thoracolumbar vertebral fractures and dislocations as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting unit is also provided with a locking component, which is used to lock and fix the Kirschner wire to the connecting unit after the Kirschner wire position is adjusted, so as to prevent the Kirschner wire from axially retracting relative to the mounting hole.

6. A method of using an external emergency reduction device for thoracolumbar vertebral fractures and dislocations, applicable to the external emergency reduction device for thoracolumbar vertebral fractures and dislocations as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Modular selection and assembly: Obtain a connecting assembly consisting of multiple connecting units, and select a connecting unit whose hole spacing matches the width of the patient's spinous process based on the anatomical width of the spinous process. The selected connecting units are connected sequentially along the length direction using connecting rods to form a connecting assembly that runs through multiple vertebrae. S2. Back physiological curvature adaptation: The assembled connecting component is attached to the patient's back. The connecting component is bent or twisted by the hinge structure between the first and second blocks in each connecting unit so that the shape of the connecting component adapts to the physiological curvature of the patient's thoracic and lumbar spine. S3. External auxiliary positioning: After the connecting component is fitted to the patient's back and bent to a suitable shape, the connecting component is temporarily fixed to the patient's back by an auxiliary fixing strap or auxiliary positioning clip located outside the connecting component to prevent it from slipping relative to the patient during subsequent operations. S4. Kirschner wire insertion and spinous process anchoring: Pass multiple Kirschner wires through the mounting holes on the corresponding connecting units, and fix the tips of the Kirschner wires into the spinous process bone of the target vertebra. S5. Relative displacement adjustment and attitude reset: Through the threaded engagement structure, each Kirschner wire is rotated independently. By using the relative screwing in or out between the external thread at the tail of the Kirschner wire and the internal thread of the mounting hole, each Kirschner wire is driven to generate relative displacement along its axial direction. By utilizing the axial displacement of each Kirschner wire, a supporting or traction force is applied to the target vertebra, thereby adjusting the spatial posture of the fractured or dislocated vertebra until the reduction requirement is achieved.

7. The method of using the external emergency reduction device for thoracolumbar fracture-dislocation as described in claim 6, characterized in that: In step S5, after adjusting the relative displacement and resetting the attitude of each Kirschner wire, the following steps are also included: S6. Locking and Anti-retraction: Activate the locking device on the connecting unit to apply radial locking force to the Kirschner wire passing through the mounting hole, locking the axial relative position of the Kirschner wire and the connecting unit, and preventing the reset Kirschner wire from retracting during the waiting period for subsequent surgery.

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