Articulating Spinal Implant Insertion Instrument
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In orthopedic surgery, particularly minimally invasive procedures, there is a challenge in accurately positioning spinal implants, such as spinal plates and nucleus replacement devices, due to limited access and the need for instruments that can securely hold and manipulate these devices during fluoroscopy and subsequent percutaneous placement, especially for anterior, lateral, and posterior approaches.
Innovation Solution
Development of a spinal implant insertion instrument that can articulate and pivot, allowing for the formation of a wedge shape for ease of insertion into the disc space, and can be rotated from a posterior-anterior to a transverse orientation to avoid interrupting the spinal canal, along with a bone plate system that includes adjustable bone anchor assemblies for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a spinal implant is inserted through a small incision using a minimally invasive approach, then the trauma to the patient is reduced and recovery is faster, but the surgeon's ability to accurately position and manipulate the implant is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into multiple functional segments: an insertion instrument for delivering the implant, a manipulation instrument for positioning, and a release mechanism for final placement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while accessing through a small incision.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates articulation capabilities that allow movement from a linear insertion path to multi-planar manipulation within the disc space. The instrument can articulate to approach the implant from different angles and orientations after initial insertion through the small incision.
2Measurement precision
If an articulating spinal device is held firmly during insertion, then the implant can be precisely positioned, but the instrument must maintain secure grip while allowing fluoroscopy visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument uses an intermediary engagement mechanism that interfaces with the implant without requiring complex direct manipulation. The instrument engages the implant through a simplified interface that provides firm holding during insertion while allowing easy release for fluoroscopy and subsequent manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument transitions from a static gripping state during insertion to a dynamic release state for fluoroscopy and manipulation. The engagement mechanism allows the instrument to adapt its interaction with the implant based on the surgical phase, providing firm holding when needed and easy release when visualization is required.
3Ease of operation
If the implant is inserted in a posterior-anterior orientation, then the surgical approach is straightforward, but the spinal canal must be interrupted which increases surgical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the implant directly in the final transverse orientation through the spinal canal, the instrument inserts the implant in a posterior-anterior orientation first, then articulates to rotate and reorient the implant in-place. This inverts the traditional sequence by achieving final orientation through manipulation after insertion rather than during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is preliminarily positioned in the disc space in a convenient posterior-anterior orientation, and then the instrument articulates to reorient it to the final transverse position. This preliminary positioning allows the implant to be securely placed before final orientation is achieved through instrument articulation.
4Ease of operation
If a large incision is made to allow direct manipulation of the implant, then the surgeon has full access to position the implant accurately, but the minimally invasive benefits are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument serves multiple functions: it acts as both an insertion tool and a manipulation tool, and also provides a release mechanism for final implant placement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate instruments that would require larger incisions, allowing all operations to be performed through a single small incision.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a bone anchor assembly is provided having a bone anchor with a head, a resilient locking cap extending about a portion of the bone anchor head, and a cap drive member having a depending annular wall. In another form, a bone plate system is provided including a bone plate having an elongated throughbore and a resilient support member received therein. In another aspect, an insertion device is provided for manipulating and inserting a spinal device at or within a spinal joint. The insertion device is configured to actively pivot the implant about the implant gripping end of the device and to allow manipulation and release of the implant in any pivoted orientation from approximately 0 to 90 degrees.