Dual Pivot Spinal Reduction Instrument
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation systems face difficulties in aligning and seating spinal rods into rod-receiving members due to the positioning and rigidity of vertebrae, leading to time-consuming and challenging procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with a drive mechanism that applies force along a longitudinal axis, allowing for easy coupling with various drivers and incorporating pivotable connections to optimize force delivery, facilitating the reduction of spinal fixation elements into bone anchors with minimal dissipation and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional rod reduction devices are used to seat spinal rods into rod-receiving members, then the rod can be reduced, but the procedure becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The rod reduction device is divided into separate functional modules: a handle portion for operator input, a driver portion for applying force, and a reduction member for engaging the rod. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall operation by separating the forcing function from the engagement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver portion acts as an intermediary between the handle and the reduction member, transmitting and amplifying the operator's input force to the rod. This intermediary mechanism converts simple handle motion into effective linear forcing motion, making the rod reduction process easier and faster.
2Productivity
If force is applied to reduce the spinal fixation element, then reduction occurs, but mechanical stress and wear on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reduction member is designed with movable components that can dynamically adjust during the reduction process. The driver portion can pivot or move to optimize force application angles, and the reduction member can adapt to variations in rod positioning, thereby reducing peak stresses on individual components while maintaining high reduction speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for changing operational parameters such as the angle and magnitude of applied force through the movable driver mechanism. By dynamically adjusting these parameters during the reduction process, the system achieves efficient rod seating while minimizing excessive mechanical stress and wear on components.
3Force
If the driver is rigidly coupled to the drive mechanism, then force transmission is direct, but adaptability to different drivers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the drive mechanism and driver is segmented into standardized interfaces. The driver portion can be detached and reattached to different drive mechanisms, allowing force transmission optimization for each specific driver type while maintaining overall system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism incorporates universal coupling features that can accommodate multiple types of drivers. The standardized interface allows the same drive mechanism to work with various driver configurations, maintaining force transmission efficiency across different applications while enhancing adaptability.
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 system enables efficient and precise seating of spinal fixation elements into bone anchors, reducing procedural time and minimizing mechanical stress on components, thereby enhancing the ease and effectiveness of spinal fixation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the drive mechanism can be configured to include various pivotable connections thereby optimizing the amount of force being delivered substantially along the longitudinal axis of the driver
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal fixation element fixation reduction system is provided herein. In general, the system can include a cap element with a bore having a central axis extending therethrough wherein the cap element is configured to releasably engage any type of surgical device (e.g., an access sleeve, a vertebral body rotator, etc.). Further, the system can include a driver configured to be slidably and removably positioned through the cap element. The system can also include an actuator configured to apply a force to the driver substantially along the central axis of the cap element thereby moving the driver in a distal direction so as to effect reduction of a spinal fixation element into a bone anchor. Additionally, a method of reducing a spinal fixation element into a bone anchor is also provided wherein the method can be performed as a minimally invasive surgical procedure or as an open procedure.