Bone Anchor Inserter Depth Indication via Visual Markings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgeons face difficulty determining the correct depth of bone anchor insertion during procedures, leading to potential complications with bone anchors or suture anchors that require precise placement.

Innovation Solution

A bone anchor inserter with longitudinally oriented markings and etchings on its shaft, including a distinct proper depth indicator and upper and lower visual indicators, allows surgeons to visually assess the insertion depth and suture orientation, facilitating accurate placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a bone anchor inserter is used without depth indicators, then the device structure remains simple, but the surgeon cannot accurately determine the insertion depth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion depth measurementVSAvoidinserter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Depth indicators (marks, etchings, or windows showing internal markings) are pre-positioned on the inserter shaft at specific distances from the tip during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows the surgeon to directly read the insertion depth without requiring additional measurement tools or complex mechanisms during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Visual indicators (marks, etchings, or visible features through transparent sections) serve as an intermediary between the physical insertion depth and the surgeon's perception. These indicators translate the mechanical position of the inserter into easily observable visual cues, enabling accurate depth determination without complex measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If the inserter shaft is made transparent or includes transparent sections, then visual inspection of insertion depth and suture alignment becomes possible, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual information about insertion depth and suture alignmentVSAvoidinserter shaft manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent or translucent shaft material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support as a shaft, enables visual inspection of insertion depth through internal markings, and allows observation of suture alignment and tissue positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate inspection components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than making the entire shaft transparent (which would compromise strength and increase cost), only specific sections are made transparent or translucent. This local application of transparency provides the necessary visual information while maintaining the structural integrity and manufacturability of the overall shaft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2433571B1System for bone anchor inserter depth indication

Publication Date: 2022.09.28 TORNIER INC

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AI summary

A bone anchor inserter (100) according to the present invention includes a shaft (108) configured to interface with a bone anchor (200), a proper depth indicator (102) on the shaft, an upper visual indicator (104) on the shaft, the upper visual indicator located adjacent to the proper depth indicator on a first side of the proper depth indicator furthest from the bone anchor, and a lower visual indicator (106) on the shaft, the lower visual indicator located adjacent to the proper depth indicator on a second side of the proper depth indicator opposite from the first side, the lower visual indicator being visually distinct from the upper visual indicator.