Driver Assembly Wire Locking Mechanism for K-Wire Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for driving bone screws over K-wires are prone to complications such as unintended advancement of the K-wire beyond the bone margin and kinking, which can lead to damage of vital organs and require excessive radiation for monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A driver assembly with a wire locking mechanism that includes a cam device and threaded surfaces to securely engage and control the K-wire, allowing for precise advancement of the bone screw while preventing the K-wire from advancing or kinking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the surgeon uses lateral fluoroscopy to monitor the K-wire throughout the screw insertion process, then the K-wire advancement can be detected, but the patient is exposed to excessive radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fluoroscopy-based monitoring system (electromagnetic/radiation-based) with a mechanical control system. The driver tool incorporates a wire locking mechanism with movable locking elements that mechanically prevent K-wire advancement during screw insertion, eliminating the need for continuous radiation-based monitoring.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the K-wire is inserted only partly into the bone to provide a margin of error, then inadvertent advancement damage is reduced, but the K-wire may be pulled out during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The driver tool serves as an intermediary device between the K-wire and the bone screw. It includes a wire locking mechanism that positively engages with the K-wire during the procedure, acting as a mediator that secures the K-wire in place and prevents both inadvertent advancement and pullout, allowing the surgeon to use optimal K-wire insertion depth without compromise.
3Ease of operation
If the K-wire is allowed to move freely during screw advancement, then the procedure is simpler, but the K-wire may kink or be inadvertently advanced beyond the bone margin
Solution Approach 1:
The wire locking mechanism features movable locking elements that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. During K-wire insertion, the locking elements are disengaged to allow free movement and simplicity of operation. During screw advancement, the locking elements engage with the K-wire to prevent kinking and inadvertent advancement, providing dynamic adaptability to different procedural phases.
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 driver assembly effectively prevents K-wire advancement and kinking, reducing the risk of complications and minimizing radiation exposure by immobilizing the wire during screw insertion.
Implementation Method 1
The second thread is engaged with the first thread to rotatably couple the wire locking mechanism with the driver tool
Implementation Method 2
The wire locking mechanism features a cam device operable to lock a wire relative to the locking mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An implant driver assembly includes an assembly for advancing a threaded implant over a wire. The assembly may include a driver tool with a proximal end, a distal end and a first engagement surface that has a first thread. The driver tool may also include a first wire passage. The assembly may further include a wire locking mechanism with a second engagement surface having a second thread. The second thread is engaged with the first thread to rotatably couple the wire locking mechanism with the driver tool. The wire locking mechanism may further include a second wire passage. The second wire passage may be substantially coaxially aligned with the first wire passage.