Adjustable Length Surgical Screws with Break Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical screws often require multiple lengths to be stocked, complicating surgical procedures and increasing costs due to the need for surgeons to select the appropriate length before implantation, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
Development of adjustable length surgical screws with break points along their longitudinal axis, allowing the screw to break at different predetermined locations when a specific force is applied, enabling the screw to adjust its length during implantation without pre-measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple screw lengths are stocked to accommodate various surgical procedures, then the adaptability to different patient sizes and procedure requirements is improved, but the device complexity and inventory management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single screw that can perform multiple functions through variable length adjustment. The screw includes a proximal portion and a distal portion that can be selectively removed to create different effective lengths, allowing one screw design to serve multiple procedural needs across different patient sizes and anatomical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the screw into separable portions - specifically a proximal portion and a distal portion connected by a breakable interface. This segmentation allows the screw to be divided into different length configurations during surgery, enabling a single stocked screw to provide multiple length options without requiring separate inventory for each length.
2Manufacturing precision
If surgeons pre-select screw length before implantation, then the manufacturing precision and proper fit are improved, but the loss of time during surgical procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the surgeon to adjust the screw length directly in the surgical field using simple manual operations. The breakable interface allows the distal portion to be easily removed by applying minimal force, eliminating the need for preoperative measurement and planning. The screw essentially adjusts itself to the required length through simple mechanical manipulation during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the screw from a static, fixed-length component into a dynamic, adjustable-length component. The breakable interface is designed to fail at a predetermined low force, allowing the screw length to change during surgery based on actual anatomical requirements rather than predetermined specifications.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed length screws are used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to different surgical scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains manufacturing simplicity while improving adaptability by segmenting the screw into standardized portions. The proximal and distal portions can be manufactured using standard processes, and the breakable interface is created through conventional manufacturing techniques such as drilling holes or creating stress concentrations. This segmentation allows post-manufacturing length adjustment without requiring complex variable geometry manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustable length surgical screws and inserters for adjustable length surgical screws and methods of using the screws and inserters are provided. In general, a fixation device such as a surgical screw can be configured to have an adjustable length. The fixation device can have one or more break points along a longitudinal axis thereof. In an exemplary implementation, the fixation device can include a plurality of break points. The plurality of break points can be formed at different predetermined axial positions along the fixation device's longitudinal axis. The fixation device can be configured to break at each of its one or more break points, for example breaking along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fixation device.