Mechanical Linkage Insertion Instrument for Intervertebral Endplate Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insertion instruments for intervertebral fusion devices risk misalignment of superior and inferior endplates during the insertion of a core component, particularly in procedures like ALIF, due to the movement of endplates from their proper position when the core component is introduced.
Innovation Solution
An insertion instrument with a mechanical linkage arrangement comprising superior and inferior supports, arm hinges, and linkage arms that allow for controlled relative movement and alignment of the arms, reducing the likelihood of endplate misalignment by providing balanced force distribution and symmetric movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a known insertion instrument with movable arms is used to hold the intervertebral device, then the device can be positioned for height and angle adjustment, but the superior and inferior endplates may become misaligned when the core component is inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion instrument incorporates a mechanical linkage arrangement with linkage arms that can dynamically adjust their configuration. The linkage arms are rotatably coupled to supports and can change separation distances, allowing the instrument to adapt its geometry during the surgical procedure while maintaining endplate alignment through symmetric movement patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the superior and inferior arms. This linkage system mediates the movement and force distribution between the arms, ensuring that when the core component is inserted, the forces are balanced and the endplates remain properly aligned rather than becoming misaligned
2Adaptability or versatility
If the separation between superior and inferior arms is increased to accommodate larger intervertebral devices, then larger devices can be inserted, but the instrument becomes more complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion instrument is divided into modular components including superior support, inferior support, superior arm, inferior arm, and a mechanical linkage arrangement with multiple linkage arms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together as a cohesive system that can accommodate various device sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage arrangement serves multiple functions: it connects the superior and inferior supports, allows for adjustment of arm separation to accommodate different device sizes, maintains alignment during core component insertion, and provides structural stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate instruments
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion instrument comprising a superior support and an inferior support which oppose each other, a superior arm mounted on the superior support, an inferior arm mounted on the inferior support, and a mechanical linkage arrangement. A distal end of each of the superior and inferior arms is configured to engage at a respective location on a modular intervertebral fusion device or with a respective component thereof. The mechanical linkage arrangement is coupled to the superior and inferior supports and extends therebetween. The mechanical linkage arrangement comprises first to fourth linkage arms. Each of the superior and inferior arms comprises an arm hinge between its distal end and the respective one of the superior and inferior supports. Each arm hinge rotates about an axis which is substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the respective arm and to a direction of separation of the superior and inferior arms. Distal ends of the first and second linkage arms are rotatably coupled to the superior support at spaced apart locations thereon. The distal end of at least one of the first and second linkage arms is coupled to the superior support for relative translation of superior support and respective distal end to thereby change a separation between the distal ends of the first and second linkage arms. Distal ends of the third and fourth linkage arms are rotatably coupled to the inferior support at spaced apart locations thereon. The distal end of at least one of the third and fourth linkage arms is coupled to the inferior support for relative translation of inferior support and respective distal end to thereby change a separation between the distal ends of the third and fourth linkage arms.The first to fourth linkage arms are mechanically coupled to one another each at a location on the respective linkage arm spaced apart from its distal end whereby a separation is changeable between a) and b), where a) is the distal ends of the first and second linkage arms and b) is the distal ends of the third and fourth linkage arms.