Bi-directional Drill Point Screw for Spinal Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pedicle screws are difficult to insert into varying and undulating spinal bone surfaces, leading to prolonged surgery times and potential complications due to improper insertion.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional drill point bone screw with oscillating rotation capability, featuring multiple flutes with cutting edges on both sides, allowing insertion and penetration into bone with ease and precision, even on irregular surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pedicle screws are used for insertion into spinal bones, then the screw structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the screw is difficult to insert into varying and undulating bone surfaces, leading to prolonged surgery times and potential complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through oscillating rotation of the screw during insertion. The screw is rotated back and forth in a controlled oscillating motion rather than continuous rotation, which helps the cutting edges effectively engage and cut into undulating bone surfaces, reducing insertion difficulty and surgery time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static insertion process into a dynamic oscillating process. The screw insertion mechanism incorporates controlled oscillating rotation that adapts to varying bone surfaces, allowing the screw to dynamically adjust its cutting action to match the irregular topography of spinal bone surfaces
2Reliability
If traditional pedicle screws with single-direction rotation are used, then the screw structure is simple, but the screw may walk or skate on irregular bone surfaces causing improper insertion and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric flute geometry where the flutes are positioned and shaped to create effective cutting edges that engage bone surfaces during oscillating rotation. The asymmetric design allows the screw to reliably cut into bone while preventing walking or skating on irregular surfaces, improving insertion accuracy without requiring overly complex structures
Solution Approach 2:
The screw shaft is segmented into multiple flutes rather than a continuous surface. These discrete flute segments create localized cutting edges that can independently engage with bone surfaces during oscillating rotation, improving reliability by distributing cutting forces and preventing the screw from walking on irregular surfaces
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates safe and efficient insertion of pedicle screws, reducing surgery time and minimizing complications by enabling smooth penetration and seating without walking or skiving on bone surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The bi-directional drill point bone screw is constructed and arranged to form a hole by oscillating rotation about the longitudinal axis of the screw
Implementation Method 2
each flute having two cutting surfaces, one positioned on each opposite side of the relative flute
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides for a joint fixation device and method utilizing a bone screw having a bi-directional drill point that is constructed and arranged to cut and form a hole in a bone when the screw is rotated or oscillated in both directions around the longitudinal axis of the screw. The screw can then be rotated into a final position by rotation in a single direction; and removed by rotating the screw in an opposite direction.