Modular Spinal Instruments for Rod Reduction and Set Screw Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spinal surgery requires multiple separate instruments for steps like rod reduction, derotation, and set screw insertion, leading to surgeon fatigue and prolonged operating times due to frequent instrument switching and handling.
Innovation Solution
A modular surgical instrument system comprising an instrument body that can couple to a bone anchor assembly, allowing integrated performance of rod reduction, derotation, and set screw insertion through a unified platform with interchangeable tools like reduction and derotation instruments, and a modular driver or handle adapter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate instruments are used for rod reduction, derotation, and set screw insertion, then each specific surgical step can be performed with a dedicated tool, but the number of instruments increases and frequent switching between instruments is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate surgical instruments (rod reduction instrument, derotation instrument, and set screw driver) into a single integrated surgical instrument. The instrument body includes a working channel that can accommodate all three functional components, allowing them to be used sequentially without removing the instrument body from the surgical site. This merging eliminates the need for frequent instrument switching while maintaining dedicated functionality for each surgical step.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions through interchangeable components. The instrument body with its working channel can receive different instruments (reduction instrument, derotation instrument, driver) depending on the surgical step required. This multi-functionality allows a single instrument body to replace multiple separate instruments while maintaining specialized capabilities for each task.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate instruments are used and frequent insertion/removal is required, then each instrument can be optimized for its specific function, but surgeon fatigue increases and operating time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument body is prepared in advance with a working channel that can accommodate all necessary functional components throughout the surgical procedure. By establishing this universal access path beforehand, the surgeon can perform rod reduction, derotation, and set screw insertion without removing and re-inserting the instrument body, thereby eliminating repeated setup actions and reducing operating time.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate instruments are used, then each step can be performed with appropriate specialized tools, but the number of handling operations increases leading to surgeon fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple handling operations into a single sustained instrument presence. The instrument body remains in place throughout the procedure, and only the internal working components are exchanged or manipulated through the working channel. This significantly reduces the number of handling operations required, as the surgeon does not need to physically remove and re-insert the entire instrument assembly for each surgical step.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Modular surgical instruments and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for performing rod reduction, derotation, and/or set screw insertion during spinal surgery. An exemplary system can include an instrument body configured to couple to a bone anchor assembly to provide a modular platform for carrying out various steps of a surgical procedure. For example, the instrument body can receive a reduction instrument therethrough for reducing a spinal rod into the bone anchor assembly. A derotation instrument can be attached to the reduction instrument for performing derotation maneuvers or applying other manipulation forces. A modular driver or handle adapter can be attached to the reduction instrument and/or to the derotation instrument to facilitate rod reduction. Any of the instrument body, the reduction instrument, and the derotation instrument can include a working channel therethrough. A set screw or closure mechanism, and a driver instrument for applying the set screw or closure mechanism to the bone anchor assembly, can be inserted through the working channel.