Facet Screw Delivery Device for Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion procedures are invasive, risky, expensive, and require lengthy recovery and rehabilitation due to the need for large surgical access fields and anterior approaches to access the spine.
Innovation Solution
A system for implanting a locking screw through a vertebra of a vertebral column, which includes a facet screw, a locking screw, a locking screw delivery mechanism, and a guide tube with bends to direct the locking screw at a desired angle for securing the facet screw in place within the facet joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional spinal fusion procedures are performed using anterior approach with large plates and screws, then spinal stability is achieved, but tissue disruption is extensive and surgical access field is large
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into multiple pedicle screws and connecting rods that work together to provide spinal stability. Each pedicle screw is independently inserted into the vertebral pedicle, and multiple rods connect adjacent screws to distribute mechanical loads, achieving stable fixation with minimal tissue disruption compared to large anterior plates
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device is designed with nested components where the pedicle screw is inserted through the stylet, and the entire assembly is delivered through a minimally invasive trajectory. The stylet provides initial guidance and protection, then the screw is advanced through it, allowing precise placement through small incisions
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional spinal fusion procedures are performed with large plates and screws, then spinal stability is achieved, but surgical access field and dissection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pedicle screws are specifically designed with threaded portions that engage locally with the dense bone of the vertebral pedicle, providing strong anchorage in a confined space. The connecting rods bridge adjacent vertebrae locally, providing stability without requiring large anterior exposure or extensive soft tissue dissection
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system transitions from anterior plate construction to posterior pedicle screw-rod construction, utilizing the three-dimensional anatomy of the vertebral pedicles. Screws are inserted through the pedicle bone in specific trajectories, and rods connect them in the posterior dimension, achieving stability through a different spatial configuration that requires smaller surgical access fields
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional spinal fusion procedures are performed, then spinal stability is achieved, but recovery and rehabilitation time is lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device with integrated stylet and screw allows pre-planning of the optimal screw trajectory and depth before actual implantation. The stylet can be positioned and adjusted beforehand to ensure correct placement, reducing intraoperative adjustments and procedure time, which contributes to shorter recovery periods
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for delivering a facet screw assembly to a facet joint. The system includes a facet screw assembly and a delivery device. The distal end of the delivery device includes a facet screw engagement feature, which is keyed to a corresponding delivery device engagement feature. In other embodiments, the system may include a facet screw assembly, a facet access guide, a washer sizer tool removably engaged with the facet access guide, a lateral mass decorticator guide slidably and removably engaged with the washer size tool, a washer implant delivery tool removably engaged with the facet access guide and detachably coupled to the facet screw assembly, and optionally an impact handle detachably coupled to the facet access guide, washer sizer tool, and washer implant delivery tool.