Adjustable Fulcrum Spinal Manipulation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spinal fixation procedures are cumbersome due to the difficulty in manipulating adjacent vertebrae, particularly in crowded working areas with complex instrumentation positioning and adjustment requirements.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable fulcrum system is introduced, which can be movably coupled to surgical sleeves or manipulation devices, allowing for precise positioning and application of forces to achieve compression or distraction of spinal constructs, with additional accessory sleeves like anti-torque sleeves to facilitate secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spinal fixation devices are used with complex instrumentation, then spinal fixation can be achieved, but the working area becomes crowded and manipulation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the manipulation function into separate components: a driver assembly for applying forces, a fulcrum assembly for pivoting, and surgical sleeves for access. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces crowding in the working area.
Solution Approach 2:
The fulcrum assembly acts as an intermediary between the driver assembly and the spinal construct. It provides a pivot point that translates linear motion from the driver into rotational motion for manipulating the vertebrae, simplifying the manipulation process.
2Reliability
If traditional manipulation methods are used, then spinal fixation can be achieved, but the instrumentation is difficult to position and adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The driver assembly serves multiple functions: it applies compressive forces, applies distracting forces, and provides a mounting structure for the fulcrum assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate instruments needed and simplifies positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The fulcrum assembly is designed to be movable along the driver assembly, allowing dynamic adjustment of the pivot point position. This enables the system to adapt to different vertebral configurations and manipulation requirements without requiring complex repositioning of multiple instruments.
3Ease of operation
If adjustable fulcrum system is used, then manipulation is simplified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fulcrum assembly is nested within or coupled to the driver assembly, with the fulcrum pivot point integrated into the driver structure. This nesting reduces the overall number of separate components and simplifies the system while maintaining the adjustable fulcrum functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems of manipulating (e.g., compressing or distracting) a spinal construct are provided herein. In general, the system can include a surgical sleeve extending from a vertebra and a fulcrum movably coupled to some component of the system thereby allowing the fulcrum to be positioned at various location along the length of the sleeve. As indicated, the fulcrum can be movably coupled to virtually any component of the system. For example, the fulcrum can be movably coupled to the surgical sleeve, to a manipulation device sized and configured to receive the surgical sleeve, to a driver configured to apply a manipulation force, etc. Additionally, methods for manipulating a spinal construct are also provided herein.