Articulating Spinal Measurement Instrument for Non-Parallel Bone Anchors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgeons face challenges in accurately measuring the distance between bone anchors along the spinal column, especially when they are at varying angular orientations, which complicates determining the appropriate length for elongate stabilization elements like rods or plates.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument with movable support members and articulating engagement elements that allow for multi-axial movement, coupled with an indicator for measuring variable distances between bone anchors, enabling precise alignment and sizing of elongate stabilization elements despite non-parallel orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard linear measuring instrument is used, then the device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates when bone anchors are at varying angular orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring instrument incorporates movable support members that can be adjusted and repositioned dynamically to accommodate varying angular orientations of bone anchors. The articulating portions allow the engagement elements to articulate relative to the support members, enabling the instrument to adapt its configuration to match the specific spatial arrangement of anchors while maintaining accurate measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a simple linear measurement approach to a multi-dimensional measurement system. The support members extend along first and second axes that can be oriented at different angles, and the articulating portions enable movement in multiple directions. This multi-axial capability allows accurate measurement of distances between anchors regardless of their angular orientation in three-dimensional space.
2Measurement precision
If articulating engagement elements are added to accommodate varying angular orientations, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring instrument is divided into distinct functional segments: support members that provide structural framework, engagement elements that interface with bone anchors, and articulating portions that connect these components. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall measurement accuracy, making the complex device more manageable and easier to operate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the instrument accommodates multi-axial movement, then adaptability to different anchor orientations improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating portions serve as intermediaries between the support members and engagement elements, absorbing the complexity of multi-axial adjustments. These articulating mechanisms automatically adapt to the angular orientation of the bone anchors, reducing the manual adjustment burden on the surgeon while maintaining full adaptability to various anchor configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument includes first and second support members movably coupled to one another to provide variable spacing between distal portions of the support members. A first engagement element is attached to the distal portion of the first support member and extends generally along a first axis, and a second engagement element is attached to the distal portion of the second support member and extends generally along a second axis. At least one of the engagement elements includes an articulating portion articularly engaged with a mounting portion to provide multi-axial movement therebetween to thereby vary an angular orientation of the first axis relative to the second axis. An indicator extends between proximal portions of the support members and includes multiple indicia corresponding to variable distances between the first and second axes adjacent the engagement elements to provide an indication corresponding to a select distance between the first and second axes adjacent the engagement elements.