Articulating Derotators for Spinal Slot Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current derotators in spinal realignment procedures face challenges in aligning series of instruments due to fixed handle angles, making it difficult to align slots and effectively straighten the spinal column.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of pivotable, articulating, and flexible linkages between the derotator shaft and handle allows for adjustable alignment of slots, enabling easier coupling of derotators into series for simultaneous rotation and straightening of the spinal column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed angle linkages are used in derotators, then structural simplicity is maintained, but alignment of slots in adjacent derotators becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed angle linkage into an adjustable linkage system. The linkage now includes movable joints and adjustment mechanisms that allow the angle between the shaft and handle to be modified. This enables the slots in adjacent derotators to be aligned by adjusting the linkage angle, while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized components with varying angular configurations.
2Device complexity
If fixed angle handles are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to align derotator series is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the angular parameter of the handle relative to the shaft to be variable rather than fixed. The linkage system includes adjustment mechanisms that enable changing the handle angle to match the anatomical requirements of different patients. This maintains relatively simple device complexity while significantly improving adaptability and alignment capability across various spinal configurations.
3Ease of operation
If adjustable articulating linkages are introduced, then slot alignment becomes easier, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the linkage into modular components: a shaft portion, a handle portion, and intermediate articulating joints. Each segment can be independently manufactured and assembled. The articulating joints are standardized modules that provide the necessary degrees of freedom. This modular segmentation makes the adjustable linkage easier to manufacture and assemble while maintaining ease of operation for slot alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical derotator instrument comprises a shaft, a handle and an articulating coupler. The shaft comprises a first end portion having a bone anchor coupling and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The handle comprises a body portion and a slot extending in the body portion. The articulating coupler connects the shaft and the handle. A method for coupling a plurality of derotator instruments into a series of derotator instruments comprises: attaching a plurality of derotator instruments to a plurality of adjacent bone anchor housings, each derotator instrument comprising: a shaft for connecting to a bone anchor housing, a handle having a slot, and an adjustable coupler connecting the shaft and the handle; adjusting one or more of the adjustable couplers to align at least one of the slots of the series with other slots of the series; and inserting an elongate member through the at least one slots that are aligned.