Bone Joint Inserter with Articulated Prongs for Precision Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical tools lack efficiency and precision in inserting anchoring devices into vertebral lateral masses and engaging vertebral facet joints, leading to longer surgical operation times and reduced accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A bone joint inserter device with a proximal section featuring an inserter head, including a face to engage the bone surface, prongs to engage the bone joint, and channels for delivering anchoring devices and biological materials, is designed to streamline surgical workflow and enhance precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If current surgical tools are used for inserting anchoring devices and engaging bone joints, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the surgical operation time is extended and precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical operation timeVSAvoidsurgical operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated instrument: the inserter head combines a face for bone surface engagement, prongs for bone joint engagement, and multiple channels for delivering anchoring devices and biological materials. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate surgical tools, streamlining the workflow and reducing surgical operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inserter device is designed as a multi-functional tool that can perform various surgical tasks: engaging bone surfaces, engaging bone joints, delivering anchoring devices through angled channels, and delivering biological materials through the lumen. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized tools, improving surgical efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If current surgical tools are used for inserting anchoring devices, then the procedure can be completed, but precision in placement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement precisionVSAvoidplacement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The inserter head features locally optimized engagement surfaces: a specifically shaped face for bone surface contact and articulated prongs for bone joint engagement. These localized features provide precise positioning and stabilization of the device during anchoring device insertion, ensuring accurate placement in the vertebral lateral mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The prongs act as intermediary elements that engage the bone joint to stabilize the inserter head, while the face provides an additional intermediary contact point with the bone surface. These intermediary engagement points work together to precisely position and maintain the device during the anchoring device insertion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If current surgical tools are used for engaging bone joints, then the procedure can be performed, but flexibility in manipulation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanipulation flexibilityVSAvoidengagement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The prongs are designed with articulation capability, allowing them to dynamically adapt to the geometry of the bone joint during engagement. This dynamic feature enables flexible manipulation of the device while maintaining secure engagement with the vertebral facet joint, accommodating variations in anatomical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If multiple separate tools are used for delivering anchoring devices and biological materials, then the procedure can be completed, but surgical workflow efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of tools

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges multiple delivery functions into a single instrument: angled channels for anchoring device delivery and a lumen for biological material delivery. This consolidation reduces the number of separate tools needed in the surgical procedure, streamlining workflow and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inserter device serves as a universal platform that can deliver both anchoring devices through its angled channels and biological materials through its lumen. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for separate delivery tools, reducing device complexity in terms of the number of tools required while maintaining comprehensive functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250120826A1Bone joint inserter device and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 SEASPINE ORTHOPEDICS CORP

AI summary

A bone joint inserter device for accessing and manipulating a facet joint is provided. The bone joint inserter device improves surgical control in bone anchor location, placement and insertion into target bone, while the inserter device also improves efficiency in engaging the target bone joint. The surgical instrument provides improved control of cutting device location and orientation, including directional control for precise bone anchor component insertion. Methods to use the bone joint inserter device in surgical procedures are also provided.