Orthopedic Pin Optical Coupling for Rotational Bone Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pedicle screw placement procedures rely heavily on fluoroscopic guidance, leading to inaccuracies and potential complications due to the separation of screw driver and spectral tissue sensing systems, requiring complex connections and limiting the reusability of modular components.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic pin with an optical fiber arrangement that allows relative rotation between portions while maintaining optical coupling, enabling detachable connections and integration with surgical tools, facilitating spectral tissue sensing during bone insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical rotating placement tool is used to place the K-wire, then the K-wire can be inserted into the vertebrae, but the optical fiber arrangement cannot rotate freely relative to the analysis unit, limiting the rotational freedom needed during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber arrangement is divided into a first portion connected to the K-wire and a second portion connected to the analysis unit, with a coupling mechanism at the proximal end that allows relative rotation between portions while maintaining optical coupling. This segmentation enables the distal portion to rotate freely during insertion while the proximal portion remains stationary relative to the analysis unit.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the first and second portions of the optical fiber arrangement. This coupling allows relative rotation between the portions while maintaining optical coupling, effectively mediating between the rotational movement needed during K-wire insertion and the stationary connection to the analysis unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate devices are used for screw driver and spectral tissue sensing system, then each device can be optimized independently, but complex connections are required between them, reducing reusability of modular components
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber arrangement is integrated within the K-wire structure, merging the spectral tissue sensing system with the placement tool. The optical fiber extends along the K-wire from the distal end to the proximal end, allowing the sensing system to move with the K-wire during insertion while maintaining connection to the analysis unit through the coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism provides universal functionality by allowing different surgical tools to be connected to the analysis unit while maintaining optical coupling. The coupling can accommodate relative rotation and different connection configurations, making the system adaptable to various surgical procedures and tools beyond just the K-wire.
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
Enhances the accuracy of pedicle screw placement by allowing optical analysis during bone insertion, reducing the need for fluoroscopic guidance and enabling reusable components, thus improving surgical safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber arrangement extending within the elongate shaft from a distal end to a proximal end
Implementation Method 2
the coupling allows relative rotation between portions of the shaft at opposite sides of the coupling and allows relative rotation between the portions of the optical fiber arrangement at opposite sides of the coupling, while maintaining optical coupling between the first and second portions of the optical fiber arrangement
Implementation Method 3
the lipids fraction, which can be determined by optical means, e.g. spectroscopy, can be used to determine correct screw placement in healthy bone
Data Source
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AI summary
An orthopedic pin is for optically analyzing a bone region. An optical fiber arrangement extends within an elongate shaft from a distal end to a proximal end. There is a coupling at an intermediate position along the shaft, and the optical fiber arrangement comprises a first portion on one side of the coupling and a second portion on the other side of the coupling. The coupling allows relative rotation between portions of the shaft at opposite sides of the coupling, while maintaining optical coupling between the first and second portions of the optical fiber.