Modular Spinal Manipulation Instrument for Precise Vertebrae Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal manipulation instruments lack the ability to reliably and precisely manipulate vertebrae due to anatomical variations and complexity of the spine, often resulting in inadequate fit and potential damage to fragile spinal structures.
Innovation Solution
A spinal manipulation instrument with adjustable arms and a driving rod system, featuring threaded collars and swivels, allows for precise alignment and adjustment to accommodate varying anatomical conditions, using modular attachment members for versatile coupling to vertebrae, enabling compression or distraction through rotational mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing spinal manipulation instruments are used, then the procedure can be performed, but the precision and reliability of vertebrae manipulation is insufficient due to anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into multiple modular components including a handle assembly, driving rod, threaded collar, and interchangeable arms. Each component can be independently selected or adjusted to match specific anatomical requirements, allowing precise manipulation while adapting to various spinal configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates adjustable elements such as the threaded collar that can be rotated to change the axial position of arms, and interchangeable arms with different configurations. These dynamic adjustments enable the instrument to adapt to different anatomical variations while maintaining manipulation precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-configuration instruments are used, then the device structure is simple, but the versatility for different spinal procedures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument design allows a single base system (handle, driving rod, threaded collar) to support multiple functions through interchangeable arms and attachment members. This modular approach provides versatility for different spinal procedures without requiring completely different instruments for each application
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the instrument into modular components that can be independently selected and combined, the system achieves versatility through configuration rather than through inherent complexity of each individual component
3Reliability
If non-adjustable instruments are used, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the fit to varying anatomical conditions is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded collar mechanism provides a reliable and repeatable method for adjusting arm positions along the driving rod. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures reliable manipulation while using straightforward mechanical components that are manufacturable with standard precision
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
The instrument provides precise and robust manipulation of vertebrae, accommodating anatomical variations, reducing the risk of damage and improving surgical precision and versatility across different spinal procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a driving rod with a threaded portion defining an axis therethrough... A threaded collar is coupled to the threaded portion of the driving rod in axial engagement with the second arm, such that the second arm translates along the driving rod with respect to the first arm in response to the rotation of the driving rod about the axis
Implementation Method 2
A pivot mount between at least one of the first and second arms and the driving rod allows the arm(s) to pivot with respect to the other
Implementation Method 3
A swivel is also included, allowing rotation of each attachment member about an axis of the respective first or second arm, wherein the swivel is lockable at any of a plurality of different swivel angles within a 360-degree swivel range
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal manipulation instrument, system, and method may use a driving rod to move instrument arms toward or away from one another to compress or distract between selected vertebrae to which the arms are connected. Two arms may be coupled to the driving rod. A threaded collar may axially engage one of the arms, to translate that arm along the driving rod with respect to the other arm. The other arm may be at a fixed axial location or driven by another, oppositely-oriented thread. The arms may be highly adjustable to accommodate a wide range of anatomical variation between patients. Attachment members may be modular to interchangeably couple the arms across multiple platforms.