Integrated Depth Gauge and Countersink for Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems require multiple instruments for determining the length and forming a countersink for fixation elements in bone, leading to potential oversizing or undersizing due to over-drilling during countersink formation.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a handle body and integrated countersink element that includes measurement indicators and a channel system for guiding a guide element, allowing precise determination of fixation element length and formation of a countersink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used to determine fixation element length and form countersink, then measurement and countersink functions are provided, but device complexity increases and measurement precision deteriorates due to over-drilling errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate instruments (depth gauge and countersink tool) into a single integrated surgical instrument. The instrument includes a body with a channel for receiving a guide element, indicators for measuring fixation element length, and a countersink element with a head for forming the countersink. This merging eliminates the need to switch between multiple instruments and ensures that measurement and countersink formation are performed in a coordinated manner, preventing over-drilling errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used for depth measurement and countersink formation, then various functions are achieved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to over-drilling
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument performs the measurement function first by allowing the guide element to engage with the bone and align with the indicators on the instrument body to determine the required fixation element length. Only after this preliminary measurement is complete does the countersink element engage to form the countersink. This preliminary action ensures that the countersink is formed to the correct depth based on the pre-determined measurement, preventing over-drilling and ensuring manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates indicators that provide visual feedback on the depth of the guide element insertion and the corresponding fixation element length required. The countersink element is designed to engage only after the guide element is properly positioned and the measurement is confirmed. This feedback mechanism ensures that the countersink formation is controlled and precise, matching the measured requirements and preventing over-drilling errors.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate instruments are used for measurement and countersink formation, then instrument specialization is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement and countersink formation functions into a single instrument with a unified structure. The body, channel, indicators, and countersink element work together as an integrated system. This ensures that the guide element, measurement indicators, and countersink element are all precisely positioned relative to each other, eliminating positioning errors that would occur when switching between separate instruments. The integrated design maintains reliability by ensuring consistent spatial relationships between all functional components.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a surgical instrument, systems including the surgical instrument, and methods of use of the surgical instrument are disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle body extending from a proximal end to a distal end substantially along a longitudinal axis. The handle body defines a first channel sized and configured to receive a guide element therein. A plurality of indicators are formed on the handle body. Each of the plurality of indicators correspond to a size of one of a plurality of fixation elements sized and configured for insertion into a bone. A countersink element is coupled to a distal end of the body. The countersink element defines a second channel sized and configured to receive the guide element therethrough that is circumferentially located with and coupled to the first channel. The countersink element includes a head sized and configured to form a countersink in the bone.