Multi-Segment Surgical Burring Tool for Vertebral Site Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation systems require multiple tools for preparing the vertebral site for bone screw or bolt insertion, leading to potential deviations in bore alignment and surface contouring, which can result in improper fitment of stabilization components.
Innovation Solution
A multi-segment burring tool with a burring tip, conical widening segment, and cylindrical upper segment that allows for single-tool preparation of the vertebral site, ensuring proper alignment and contouring for bone screw or bolt insertion, including a bi-directional cutting edge configuration for efficient bone removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate tools are used for preparing the vertebral site (burring tool for bore, contouring tool for surface, additional burring tool for adjacent bone), then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the procedure becomes more complex and alignment deviations occur between the bore and contoured surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate tools (burring tool, contouring tool, and additional burring tool) into a single integrated burring tool. This tool features a multi-segmented rotating head with different functional surfaces: a first burring surface for creating the bore, a contoured second surface for shaping the bone surface to receive the tulip head, and a third burring surface for removing adjacent bone. All surfaces are integrated on one rotating head, ensuring they share the same rotational axis and remain precisely aligned during operation, thereby eliminating alignment deviations that occur when using separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating head of the burring tool is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating three distinct functional surfaces that perform different operations: (1) the first burring surface creates the bore through the pedicle, (2) the contoured second surface shapes the bone surface to properly receive the tulip head, and (3) the third burring surface removes adjacent bone to facilitate screw introduction. This single multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require three separate tools, maintaining precision while reducing procedural complexity.
2Productivity
If separate tools are used for bore preparation and surface contouring, then each tool can be specialized, but the time required for the procedure increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated burring tool enables continuous useful action by performing all necessary operations (bore creation, surface contouring, and adjacent bone removal) in a single continuous rotational motion. The multi-segmented rotating head allows the surgeon to complete all preparation steps without stopping to change tools or reposition the device, thereby eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the site preparation process.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple tool functions into a single integrated device, the patent eliminates the time required for tool changes and repositioning between operations. The surgeon uses one tool throughout the entire preparation sequence, continuously preparing different aspects of the insertion site without interruption, thereby significantly reducing procedural time and improving overall efficiency.
3Reliability
If multiple tools are used for site preparation, then comprehensive bone preparation can be achieved, but the risk of misalignment and improper fitment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all bone preparation functions into a single integrated tool with a multi-segmented rotating head. The first burring surface creates the bore, the contoured second surface shapes the bone surface to properly receive the tulip head, and the third burring surface removes adjacent bone. Because all these surfaces are integrated on one rotating head sharing a common axis, they work in coordinated harmony to prepare the site comprehensively while ensuring precise alignment, thereby improving reliability of proper fitment while reducing procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating head incorporates local quality by providing different functional surfaces in different locations: the first burring surface for bore creation, the contoured second surface for surface shaping, and the third burring surface for adjacent bone removal. Each surface is optimized for its specific local function, and all surfaces work together in coordination during a single operation to achieve comprehensive and reliable site preparation.
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 tool ensures precise alignment and contouring of the vertebral site, facilitating proper fitment of bone screws or bolts without the need for separate tools, reducing the risk of deviation and improving the efficiency of spinal fixation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The burring tip has an outer surface configured to remove bone upon rotation of the burring tool to form a bore in the bone
Implementation Method 2
The widening segment has an outer surface configured for removal of bone upon rotation of the burring tool
Implementation Method 3
The upper segment has a cylindrical outer surface configured for removal of bone upon rotation of the burring tool to remove material from a bony structure adjacent the site of introduction of the burring tool into the bone
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic burring tool includes a burring tip configured for removal of bone to form a bore in the bone, an elongated intermediate segment having a smooth outer surface along a length of the segment, a conical widening segment at the proximal end of the intermediate segment that widens from the diameter of the burring tip to a diameter that is about twice the burring tip diameter. The widening segment includes an outer surface configured for removal of bone upon rotation of the burring tool. The tool includes an upper segment configured for engagement to a rotary driving tool and having a cylindrical outer surface configured for removal of bone upon rotation of the burring tool for removal of material from bony structure adjacent the bone bore formed by the burring tip.