Bone Fastener Assembly Instrument with Spring Bias
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interspinous stabilization systems lack a secure and rigid attachment mechanism to the spinous processes, leading to potential device migration and instability, necessitating a more efficient bone fastener assembly tool for vertebral stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A bone fastener assembly instrument with a slim profile, featuring a pair of handles with a spring bias mechanism and a transmission mechanism, such as gear wheels or a rollerchain, to align and securely attach a two-component bone fastener, allowing for quick and precise assembly of the bone fastener between the spinous processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid attachment mechanism is used to secure the interspinous device to spinous processes, then device stability and prevention of migration is improved, but the complexity of the attachment mechanism and implantation procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone fastener is divided into two separate components: a threaded bolt and a nut. This segmentation allows each component to be independently inserted and positioned through the implantable device, simplifying the overall attachment mechanism while achieving rigid fixation when assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-component bone fastener system is nested within a single implantable device aperture. The bolt and nut are sequentially inserted through the same opening, with the nut receiving the bolt to form a complete fastening assembly, eliminating the need for separate insertion paths.
2Strength
If a two-component bone fastener assembly system is used to achieve secure attachment, then the strength of fixation is improved, but the assembly time and surgical procedure duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt component is pre-threaded with external threads before insertion, and the nut is pre-formed with internal threading. This preliminary preparation of threading allows for rapid assembly through simple rotational engagement during surgery, reducing assembly time while maintaining strong fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical assembly process is replaced with a simple threaded fastening system. Instead of requiring complex alignment and multiple fastening steps, the threaded bolt and nut system allows for quick engagement through rotational motion, significantly reducing assembly time.
3Ease of operation
If a slim profile insertion tool is used for ease of use in confined surgical spaces, then the ease of operation is improved, but the functionality and versatility of the tool decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both the bolt and nut components of the bone fastener system. The tool's working end can hold and manipulate either component, providing multi-functionality within a slim profile design that maintains ease of operation in confined surgical spaces.
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
The instrument facilitates a secure and rapid assembly of the bone fastener, reducing assembly time and preventing device migration, while maintaining compatibility with existing components and tools, thereby enhancing vertebral stability and promoting fusion at selected levels.
Implementation Method 1
The instrument may also include a spring bias mechanism between the handles.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fastener assembly instrument that can assemble a two-component bone fastener during surgery is provided. The bone fastener may be of a type that comprises a threaded bolt and nut for securing an implantable device to bone, such as a spinous process. A method for using the bone fastener assembly instrument is also provided.