Nested Spinal Instrument for Ergonomic Pedicle Screw Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedicle screw fixation systems, such as those using Jamshidi needles, lack ergonomic form factors, leading to hand cramping and radiation exposure during surgical procedures for spinal targeting and screw placement.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive spinal instrument with an outer and inner shaft configuration, featuring locking grooves and a locking knob, allows for stable handling and minimizes radiation exposure by positioning the surgeon's hand and forearm out of the imaging line-of-sight, while enabling accurate pedicle screw placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Jamshidi needle is used for pedicle screw placement, then alignment accuracy is achieved, but ergonomic form factor deteriorates causing hand cramping and radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument employs a nested shaft configuration where an inner shaft is positioned within an outer shaft. The inner shaft contains a passageway for receiving the metallic wire, while the outer shaft provides additional structural support and positioning features. This nested structure maintains alignment precision while improving ergonomics by distributing forces across a larger form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is divided into distinct functional segments: an outer shaft with positioning features, an inner shaft with a passageway, and a separate metallic wire. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing improved ergonomics and maintained alignment accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a Jamshidi needle is used for pedicle screw placement, then alignment accuracy is achieved, but surgeon exposure to radiation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nested shaft configuration allows the instrument to maintain a stable form factor that can be positioned away from the radiation field while still achieving precise alignment through the coordinated action of the outer and inner shafts with their respective positioning features.
3Ease of operation
If a dual shaft configuration is used, then ergonomic handling and radiation protection are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested shaft design integrates multiple functions into a compact structure. The inner shaft with its passageway for wire reception is housed within the outer shaft that provides positioning features. This nesting reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate independent components while maintaining ergonomic advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument merges the functions of alignment, support, and wire guidance into a single integrated dual-shaft device. The outer shaft combines positioning features with structural support, while the inner shaft integrates the wire passageway, reducing the need for multiple separate instruments.
Data Source
AI summary
A minimally invasive spinal instrument and method for use of the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, a body includes an outer shaft and an inner shaft. A passageway accepts the inner shaft such that the outer shaft at least partially encloses the inner shaft. Each of the outer shaft and the inner shaft have spaced rings with locking grooves interleaved therewith. Each set of locking grooves is sized to accept a clamp such that the spaced rings mitigate longitudinal sliding of the clamp. A locking knob selectively secures the outer shaft and inner shaft thereto. A tip is removably secured to the inner shaft. In a single shaft configuration, in response to the locking knob being selectively disengaged from the outer shaft, the inner shaft and the locking knob are separated from the outer shaft such that the passageway is accessible to accept a metallic wire therethrough.