Multi-Diameter K-Wire for Single-Driver Orthopedic Pin Insertion

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthopedic procedures require multiple drivers or collets for inserting fixation pins of different diameters, necessitating additional time and procedural steps, which complicates the surgical process.

Innovation Solution

A multi-diameter fixation pin with a driver engagement portion and a bone insertion portion of different diameters allows insertion using a single powered driver and collet, accommodating pins of varying sizes without the need for frequent hardware changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple drivers or collets are used for inserting fixation pins of different diameters, then the ability to accommodate various pin sizes is improved, but the procedural complexity and time required increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate various pin sizesVSAvoidprocedural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The powered driver is designed with a universal collet mechanism that can accommodate multiple fixation pin diameters through a single tool. The collet can be adjusted or configured to receive different pin sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized drivers and simplifying the surgical workflow while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a dynamic or adjustable collet mechanism that can change its configuration to match different pin diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same powered driver to adapt to various pin sizes without requiring physical replacement of the driver or collet, thereby reducing procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple drivers or collets are used for inserting fixation pins of different diameters, then the ability to accommodate various pin sizes is improved, but the time required for hardware changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate various pin sizesVSAvoidtime for hardware changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The powered driver is designed with a universal collet mechanism that can accommodate multiple fixation pin diameters through a single tool. The collet can be adjusted or configured to receive different pin sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized drivers and simplifying the surgical workflow while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for preliminary configuration of the collet to match the required pin diameter before insertion. By pre-adjusting the collet settings, the surgeon avoids time-consuming hardware changes during the procedure, as the appropriate configuration is already in place to receive the next pin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a single driver and collet are used for all pin sizes, then procedural efficiency is improved, but the ability to accommodate varying pin sizes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural efficiencyVSAvoidability to accommodate varying pin sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a dynamic or adjustable collet mechanism that can change its configuration to match different pin diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same powered driver to adapt to various pin sizes without requiring physical replacement of the driver or collet, thereby reducing procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collet mechanism allows for parameter changes in its internal dimensions or configuration to match different pin diameters. By adjusting the collet's physical parameters (such as internal diameter or grip characteristics), the system can accommodate varying pin sizes while maintaining a single unified driver tool, thus preserving both efficiency and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260033874A1Multi-diameter k-wire for orthopedic applications

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 TREACE MEDICAL CONCEPTS INC

AI summary

A multi-diameter fixation pin, such as a K-wire can be used during an orthopedic procedure. The multi-diameter fixation pin may include a leading diameter sized for the specific orthopedic procedure being undertaken and/or the size of the bone into which the fixation pin is being inserted. The multi-diameter fixation pin may include a trailing diameter different than the leading diameter. The trailing diameter may be sized for use with a specific sized powered driver. For example, in orthopedic procedures that involve inserting larger diameter pins and smaller diameter pins into bone(s), all pins used in the procedure may have a trailing diameter (e.g., the larger diameter or the smaller diameter) that allows the pins to be inserted with the same powered driver (e.g., the same attachment head) without needing different sized drivers or attachment heads for different sized pins.