Lever Reducer Swivel Mechanism for Spinal Rod Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal surgery techniques face challenges in efficiently aligning and securing a rod to implanted fasteners in vertebrae, particularly in cases where the rod needs to be positioned relative to a fastener that is not immediately adjacent, requiring complex maneuvers to fit the rod within channels or openings in the fastener.
Innovation Solution
A lever reducer system comprising a first and second tower, a fulcrum, and a swivel mechanism that allows for vertical lifting and alignment of a second vertebra with a fastener, enabling the rod to be seated within the fastener head, using a fulcrum that translates and rotates relative to the base to accommodate different spans and offsets between vertebrae.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional spinal rod alignment techniques are used, then the rod can be secured to adjacent fasteners, but complex maneuvers are required when the rod needs to be positioned relative to non-adjacent fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The lever reducer acts as an intermediary device between the surgeon's manual manipulation and the vertebrae/rod system. It provides a mechanical interface that translates simple lever movements into precise vertical lifting and horizontal positioning of the rod, eliminating the need for complex manual maneuvers while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The lever reducer incorporates dynamic components including a rotatable arm that can pivot to accommodate different anatomical configurations, and a movable jaw that can adjust its position along the rod. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to handle various rod-to-fastener spacing scenarios without requiring different complex techniques
2Manufacturing precision
If the rod is manually positioned to align with non-adjacent fasteners, then alignment can be achieved, but significant time and effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lever reducer is pre-configured with the appropriate lever arm length and mechanical advantage ratio before the procedure. During surgery, the device is simply attached to the rod and fasteners, and the pre-engineered mechanical system automatically provides the precise alignment motion, eliminating time-consuming manual trial-and-error positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces manual surgical manipulation with a dedicated mechanical system. The lever reducer uses mechanical advantage through its lever arm to amplify small surgical movements into large, precise rod positioning movements, achieving high alignment precision while reducing the time and effort required compared to direct manual manipulation
3Reliability
If complex maneuvers are performed to align the rod, then the rod can be secured to non-adjacent fasteners, but the risk of damaging surrounding structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever reducer serves as a controlled intermediary that mediates between the rod and the fasteners. It provides a stable, predictable mechanical connection that distributes forces evenly, reducing the risk of sudden movements or slippage that could damage surrounding neural or vascular structures while ensuring reliable rod-to-fastener securement
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates inherent mechanical cushioning through its lever arm design and jaw engagement mechanism. The lever arm absorbs and distributes applied forces, preventing excessive localized stress on the rod or fasteners, while the gradual mechanical motion allows the surgeon to sense and control the positioning process, avoiding sudden movements that could harm surrounding structures
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
Facilitates efficient placement of the rod relative to fasteners by vertically lifting the second vertebra into alignment with the first, allowing for correction of spinal curvature and stabilization, reducing compression of spinal nerves, and enabling secure attachment without complex maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
a lever reducer (102) configured to couple to the first tower (104) and the second tower (108). In some embodiments, the lever reducer comprises a fulcrum (130) configured to be coupled to the first tower (104)
Implementation Method 2
The lever reducer (102) can provide leverage to a user to vertically lift a vertebra
Implementation Method 3
a swivel (140) configured to be coupled to the second tower (108)... the swivel (140) configured to rotate relative to a base (124) of the lever reducer (102)
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a lever reducer and methods of using a lever reducer are provided. In some embodiments, the lever reducer system includes a first tower, a second tower, and a lever reducer configured to couple to the first tower and the second tower. The lever reducer can include a fulcrum configured to be coupled to the first tower and a swivel configured to be coupled to the second tower. The lever reducer is configured to vertically lift the second tower. The method can include coupling a first tower to a first vertebra, as well as coupling a second tower to a second vertebra. The method can include coupling a lever reducer to the first tower and the second tower by coupling a fulcrum to the first tower and a swivel to the second tower. The method can include applying a force to the lever reducer to vertically lift the second tower.