Lateral Rod Reducer With Hinged Jaw And Threaded Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rod reduction instruments in spinal fusion surgery fail to correct misalignment between the spinal fixation rod and the tulip slot or U-shaped channel of pedicle screws, and do not allow for incremental lateral reduction.
Innovation Solution
A lateral rod reducer with a novel mechanism that combines a hinged jaw and a threaded linkage system for both lateral and axial reduction, enabling incremental lateral reduction and secure alignment of the spinal fixation rod with the pedicle screw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current rod reduction instruments are used, then axial reduction can be achieved, but lateral misalignment cannot be corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines lateral reduction and axial reduction capabilities into a single rod reducer instrument. The device integrates a hinged jaw mechanism for lateral adjustment with a traditional axial reduction mechanism, allowing both lateral misalignment correction and axial positioning to be performed with one tool rather than requiring separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod reducer is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both lateral reduction (correcting lateral misalignment) and axial reduction (positioning along the longitudinal axis). This universal instrument replaces the need for separate lateral and axial reduction tools, enhancing versatility while maintaining precision for both functions.
2Ease of operation
If a hinged lever arm lateral reducer is used, then lateral reduction can be achieved, but incremental adjustment is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged jaw is designed to be movable and adjustable during the reduction process. The jaw can be opened and closed to different degrees, allowing the surgeon to incrementally adjust the lateral position of the rod. This dynamic mechanism replaces the all-or-nothing lever arm approach, enabling precise incremental control while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for continuous adjustment of the lateral reduction parameter by varying the degree to which the hinged jaw is closed. Instead of a fixed lever arm that provides only full reduction, the hinged jaw mechanism enables the surgeon to change the reduction parameter incrementally, achieving precise positioning through controlled parameter variation.
3Reliability
If a separate lateral reducer is used for misalignment correction, then additional instruments are required, but this increases surgical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of separate lateral and axial reduction instruments into a single integrated device. By combining the hinged jaw lateral reduction mechanism with the axial reduction capability in one instrument, the device reduces the number of tools needed in the surgical field while maintaining reliable misalignment correction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional rod reducer eliminates the need for separate lateral and axial reduction instruments. This universal device performs both functions reliably, reducing instrument complexity and surgical workflow complexity while ensuring accurate misalignment correction and positioning.
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
Enables precise alignment and secure positioning of the spinal fixation rod within the tulip slot or U-shaped channel, allowing for incremental lateral and axial adjustments, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of spinal fusion surgery.
Implementation Method 1
The lateral rod reducer of the present invention allows for incremental lateral reduction that utilizes a threaded linkage feature for increased power/mechanical advantage when laterally reducing
Implementation Method 2
The lateral rod reducer uses an entirely different mechanism never before used for lateral reduction. The lateral rod reducer described herein is capable of both lateral reduction a spinal fixation rod and axial reduction of a spinal fixation rod
Implementation Method 3
The spinal fixation rod is then reduced axially with a ram into the U-shaped channel or tulip slot
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a rod reducer that is both a lateral rod reducer and an axial rod reducer that uses an entirely different mechanism never before used for lateral rod reduction. The lateral rod reducer is configured to move a spinal fixation rod that is not aligned with the pedicle screw to a position above the tulip slot or U-shaped channel. Once in position, the lateral rod reducer also provides an axial rod reducer to advance the spinal fixation rod axially into the tulip slot. Splitting the reducer body geometry to create a hinged jaw that is then driven by a linkage system is novel. The lateral rod reducer of the present invention allows for incremental lateral reduction that utilizes a threaded linkage feature for increased power/mechanical advantage when laterally reducing. This will allow for new techniques of lateral rod manipulation in deformity cases.