Multi-mode Torque Driver Anti-backdrive Pedicle Screw Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical screwdrivers used for pedicle screw attachments in spinal surgeries lack the precision and tactile feedback needed to ensure strong and stable attachments, leading to potential injuries to patients and surgeons, while power screwdrivers from the building construction industry provide less sensitive feedback and may not guarantee strong attachments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode torque driver with an anti-backdrive unit and motor assembly, allowing for sequential combinations of manual and motorized torques, providing high tactile feedback and efficient pedicle screw attachment with reduced injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual screwdrivers are used for pedicle screw insertion, then precision and tactile feedback are improved, but surgeon fatigue and repetitive motion injuries increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the torque application function into two distinct modes: manual torque application for precision and feedback, and motorized torque application for high-torque tasks. The surgeon can switch between modes depending on the surgical situation, thereby reducing repetitive strain while maintaining precision when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-backdrive unit acts as an intermediary mechanism that allows the system to switch between manual and motorized torque application. It enables the surgeon to apply manual torque when precision is needed while preventing the motor from backdriving, thus protecting the surgeon from repetitive motion injuries while maintaining tactile feedback capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If power screwdrivers from construction industry are used, then surgeon fatigue is reduced, but tactile feedback sensitivity decreases leading to attachment failures
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically switches between motorized and manual torque application modes based on surgical needs. The anti-backdrive unit enables this dynamic transition, allowing the surgeon to use motorized power for routine insertion (reducing fatigue) while switching to manual mode for critical phases requiring tactile feedback (preventing attachment failures).
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the torque application parameter from purely motorized to a hybrid manual-motorized system. The anti-backdrive unit facilitates this parameter change by allowing manual torque to be applied and maintained, providing the tactile feedback necessary to ensure strong attachments while still utilizing motorized power for overall torque application.
3Productivity
If motorized torque is applied continuously, then surgical efficiency increases, but loss of tactile feedback occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The surgeon periodically switches between motorized and manual torque application modes during the screw insertion process. The anti-backdrive unit enables this periodic action by allowing the surgeon to engage manual mode for brief periods to assess tactile feedback, then return to motorized mode for efficient torque application, optimizing both productivity and information retention.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-mode torque drivers employing anti-backdrive units for managing pedicle screw attachments with vertebrae, and related systems and methods are disclosed. A spinal column includes vertebrae in an articulating structure protecting a spinal cord. Medical intervention may involve limiting the relative motion between vertebrae by fusing vertebrae together with mechanical assemblies, including pedicle screws attached to the vertebrae. A torque driver may be used to form the pedicle screw attachments with vertebrae. By including an anti-backdrive unit and a motor assembly enclosed within a handle body as part of a multi-mode torque driver, the user may apply sequential combinations of manual and motorized torques to the screws with high levels of tactile feedback as desired. In this manner, pedicle screw attachments may be efficiently achieved with fewer injuries to the patient and surgeon while minimizing screw attachment failures.