Minimally Invasive Compressor Distractor with Internal Set Screw Engagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgery compressor/distractor instruments lack internal threaded reduction capabilities, bending support for screw extenders, and a secure method to release compression or tension, often requiring additional instruments and larger incisions, with hinge pins lacking locking features that are susceptible to disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive surgery compressor/distractor instrument with internal set screw engagement for threaded reduction and bending support, utilizing support tubes and a removable locking pull pin with a ball lock mechanism to secure and release handles, providing internal strength and ease of removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If exterior support is used for screw extenders, then bending support is provided, but incision size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support tube is inserted inside the screw extender, providing bending support from the interior rather than exterior. This nested configuration allows the support structure to be contained within the existing implant footprint, eliminating the need for larger incisions while maintaining structural support during compression and distraction operations
2Ease of manufacture
If a separate driver is inserted through the implant to access the set screw, then threaded reduction is achieved, but device complexity and procedural steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support tube is designed with a hollow interior that directly receives the set screw driver, combining the support function and the driver access function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate driver instruments and simplifies the procedural steps while maintaining threaded reduction capability
3Ease of operation
If hinge pins without locking feature are used, then device assembly is simple, but reliability decreases due to susceptibility to disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The pin assembly incorporates a spring-loaded ball detent mechanism that provides dynamic locking functionality. The spring allows the ball to engage with the slot under compression, providing automatic locking, while still permitting controlled release when needed. This dynamic system maintains reliability without significantly complicating the assembly process
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor/distractor instrument that provides internal set screw engagement for threaded reduction capabilities while also providing bending support of the screw extenders during compression or distractor manipulation. Threaded reduction is performed by engaging compressor/distractor support tubes at the proximal end with a compressor/distractor driver. A removable locking pull pin secures the left and right handles of the compressor/distractor driver together during use, and removal of the pin releases the compression and tension built up in the device for ease of removal.