Neuromonitoring Bone Depth Gauge for Accurate Screw Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone depth measurement tools in orthopedic surgeries are inaccurate and cumbersome, often requiring manual interpretation of small markings on reflective surfaces, leading to potential misalignment and loss of securement, which can result in incorrect screw lengths and complications during bone implant fixation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical device combining a bone probe with a flexible shaft and a digital depth gauge that provides tactile feedback and electronic depth measurement, allowing for precise detection of hole integrity and accurate screw length determination, reducing the need for manual interpretation and enhancing surgical precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional depth gauge with graduated markings is used, then the depth measurement function is provided, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in reading small markings on reflective surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical reading system (graduated markings on reflective surface) with an electronic sensing system. The depth gauge member includes a sensor that electronically detects the depth by measuring the distance between the first end of the device body and the distal end of the depth gauge member, eliminating the need for visual interpretation of markings and providing precise digital measurement.
2Measurement precision
If the surgeon carefully examines the depth gauge markings, then measurement accuracy may improve, but the loss of time increases due to requiring careful holding and examination
Solution Approach 1:
The depth gauge member automatically performs the measurement and displays the result electronically without requiring the surgeon to manually hold the gauge steady or carefully examine markings. The sensor system self-activates when the distal end contacts the bottom of the hole and immediately provides the depth measurement, eliminating the time-consuming manual examination process.
3Measurement precision
If the channel member is shifted to read the gauge, then the depth measurement can be obtained, but the loss of securement occurs which may require remeasurement
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic sensor system provides immediate feedback of the depth measurement without requiring any movement or shifting of the channel member. The measurement is obtained and displayed while the device remains securely positioned, eliminating the risk of losing securement that occurs when manually shifting components to read traditional gauges.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a bone probe with flexible shaft is used, then the detection of hole integrity improves through tactile feedback, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bone probe function and depth gauge function into a single integrated device. The bone probe with flexible shaft for tactile examination is merged with the depth gauge member containing the electronic sensor, allowing both hole integrity detection and precise depth measurement to be performed with one device without requiring separate instruments.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
The present invention provides a device (100) for examination and measurement of a bore hole formed in a bone. The device (100) comprises a handle (102), a bone probe (108), a depth gauge member (116), and a sensor (122). The bone probe (108) is slidably disposed with respect to the handle (102) and comprises a distal end (112) including an engagement surface shaped and configured to establish purchase with a portion of an interior surface of the bore hole and associated with a bottom of the bore hole. The depth gauge member (116) is slidably disposed with respect to the handle (102) and independently slidable relative to the bone probe (108). The sensor (122) is configured to generate an electronic signal indicative of a depth of the bore hole from the depth gauge member (116).