Interbody Implant Insertion Guide for Directional Screw Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal reconstructive surgery instruments face challenges such as improper implant placement due to symmetrical engagement features, instability of implants, and the need for multiple instruments, leading to potential implant failure and increased sterilization requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an insertion tool with asymmetrical prongs and a drill guide that secures to the tool, providing rotational restraint and simplifying implant placement, along with an intervertebral implant featuring locking elements to prevent screw backout, all designed to reduce the complexity and risk of implant failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If symmetrical engagement features are used on the instrument and implant, then the implant can be engaged easily, but the implant may be engaged upside down leading to improper placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the engagement feature on the implant with a specific orientation (e.g., a flange or protrusion that only fits one way) and a corresponding asymmetric receptacle on the insertion instrument. This ensures the implant can only be engaged in the correct orientation, preventing upside-down placement while maintaining ease of engagement through the simple snap-fit mechanism.
2Device complexity
If rotational restraint is not incorporated into engagement features, then the engagement structure remains simple, but the implant may move or become unstable relative to the instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric engagement feature inherently provides rotational restraint because the implant can only be inserted in one orientation. The asymmetric geometry (e.g., a keyed interface or oriented flange) prevents rotation once engaged, providing both orientation control and rotational stability without adding complex separate restraint mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate instruments are used for implant placement and screw insertion, then each function can be performed with specialized tools, but the number of instruments increases and sterilization burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the implant placement function and screw insertion guidance function into a single integrated insertion instrument. The instrument includes both the engagement feature for securing the implant and the drill guide feature for inserting screws, eliminating the need for separate standalone drill guide instruments and reducing the total number of instruments requiring sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion instrument is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an implant securing device and a drill guide for screw insertion. This universal instrument performs multiple functions that previously required separate specialized tools, reducing instrument count while maintaining functional versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes an insertion tool and a drill guide. The insertion tool includes a body with a distal portion and a distal end. The body has a first engagement feature extending longitudinally along the distal portion and two arms extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body. The drill guide includes two bores and an open faced channel therebetween. The open faced channel includes a second engagement feature slidably engageable with the first engagement feature on the body of the insertion tool. The two bores are adapted for the disposal of a fastener driver tool therethrough.