Clip-on Reducer Tool for Spinal Rod Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spinal surgeons face difficulties in aligning and seating fixation rods within rod receiving implants, especially when correcting preexisting misalignments, due to the complexity of positioning and securing the rods during vertebral corrective surgery.
Innovation Solution
A clip-on reducer tool assembly comprising an outer sleeve with leg extensions and a reducer tube, which can be clipped onto a rod receiving spinal implant, allowing for easy alignment and secure seating of the fixation rod, using a lever mechanism to enlarge the space for rod engagement and a set screw for fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional elongated tools are used to align and seat fixation rods, then the rod can be positioned in the slotted implant, but the procedure is complex and difficult to perform especially when correcting misalignments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (alignment, reduction, and securing of the rod) into a single integrated tool assembly. The tool includes a holder that attaches to the implant, a reducer mechanism for alignment, and a set screw delivery system, all in one device that can be operated sequentially without changing tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool assembly is designed to perform multiple operations: it holds the implant, reduces/aligns the rod, seats the rod into the implant, and delivers the set screw for fixation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments during the procedure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the fixation rod is driven inwardly to fit between the U-shaped slotted body, then secure fixation is achieved, but precise alignment and positioning become particularly difficult when correcting preexisting misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly acts as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the rod-implant system. It provides mechanical leverage and precise control mechanisms that enable accurate rod positioning and reduction without requiring the surgeon to directly manipulate the small components with hand instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates dynamic elements including a movable reducer mechanism that can be adjusted during the procedure, and a leveraged system that allows progressive application of force to seat the rod while maintaining alignment control throughout the positioning process.
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 precise alignment and secure seating of fixation rods within spinal implants, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of spinal corrective surgeries by simplifying the reduction process and ensuring stable rod positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a fulcrum proximally located near the intermediate location configured to enlarge the space between the leg extension at the distal end as the lever end is depressed inwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve
Implementation Method 2
The outer sleeve has a proximal end with a cylindrical portion having a threaded opening
Data Source
AI summary
A clip-on reducer tool assembly for seating a spinal fixation rod in a rod receiving implant, the tool assembly has an outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a proximal end with a cylindrical portion having a threaded opening, a first leg extension extending therefrom to a distal end, and a second leg extension joined to the first leg extension at an intermediate location between the distal end and proximal end. The second leg extension extends from the distal end toward the proximal end to a lever end spaced from the cylindrical portion. The leg extensions at the distal end have grasping members to engage an outer surface of a rod receiving implant and a fulcrum proximally located near the intermediate location configured to enlarge the space between the leg extension at the distal end as the lever end is depressed inwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve.