Digital Bone Depth Probe With Neuromonitoring for Screw Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current depth gauges used in bone implant fixation procedures are inaccurate and difficult to read, especially in the bright operating room environment, and require manual interpretation, which can lead to errors in screw length selection and potential tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A medical device combining a bone probe with a flexible shaft and a digital depth gauge that provides tactile feedback and electronic depth measurement, allowing for precise detection of hole integrity and depth without the need for manual interpretation, using sensors to generate an electronic signal indicative of the hole depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional depth gauge with graduated markings is used, then the depth measurement can be obtained, but the markings are difficult to read in bright operating room lights and require manual interpretation which can lead to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical reading system (graduated markings on a gauge) with an electronic sensing system. Sensors detect the depth position and convert it to an electronic signal that is displayed digitally, eliminating the need for visual interpretation of markings in bright operating room lights and removing manual interpretation errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical properties (reflectivity) at the depth interface to trigger sensor detection. The sensor detects the change in reflected light or electromagnetic signal when the probe reaches the bone surface or hole depth, converting this physical change into an electronic depth measurement that is displayed digitally rather than requiring visual reading of markings.
2Measurement precision
If a depth gauge requires manual interpretation of markings, then the measurement can be read, but it can lead to errors in screw length selection and potential tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual reading and interpretation of graduated markings with an electronic sensor system that automatically detects depth position and displays it digitally. This eliminates human error in interpreting markings and selecting screw length, as the electronic system provides an objective, precise measurement that can be directly used for screw selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the probe position and provide real-time electronic feedback about the depth measurement. This feedback loop allows for immediate verification of the correct depth, reducing errors in screw length selection by providing the surgeon with accurate, real-time depth information rather than relying on manual interpretation of static markings.
3Measurement precision
If a bone probe with barb is used to find the surface, then the depth can be measured, but the process is time-consuming and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the probing function and depth measurement function into a single integrated device. The probe shaft incorporates both the tactile probing capability and the electronic depth sensing capability, allowing the surgeon to perform both functions simultaneously in one step rather than requiring separate operations with traditional depth gauges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical barb-based surface detection method with an electronic sensor system that can detect depth position continuously or at specific thresholds. This electronic detection method is faster than the manual process of inserting the probe, finding the surface with the barb, and then reading the gauge markings, as the electronic system provides immediate depth information.
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 device offers a faster and more accurate measurement of hole depth, reducing the risk of screw misplacement and tissue damage by providing a digital readout and minimizing the need for manual interpretation, thus improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
At least one sensor is provided which is configured to generate an electronic signal based on a distance between the first end of the device body and the distal end of the depth gauge member, wherein the electronic signal is indicative of at least a depth of the hole
Data Source
AI summary
A device configured to provide a faster and more accurate measurement of depths of holes for placement of bone screws and fastener for bone implant fixation procedures. The device includes a combination of a bone probe for physical examination of a hole drilled in a bone and a depth gauge member for determining a depth of the hole and providing digital measurement of the depth via a display on the instrument and/or via a wireless exchange of measurement data to a remote computing device, such as a tablet or smartphone. The device may further be connected to a separate neuromonitoring device and be used for nerve sensing and/or nerve stimulation by way of the bone probe. For example, the bone probe may include a conductive material such that the distal probe tip acts as an extension of the neuromonitoring device and may be used to sense and/or stimulate nerves.