Pivoting Osteotomy Instrument for Spinal Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current osteotomy tools for spinal procedures apply compression forces directly to screw head assemblies, limiting the ability to achieve desired vertebral curvature and occupying valuable operating space, as they are fixedly attached and do not allow for pivoting or rotation.

Innovation Solution

The osteotomy instrument features pivotally attached legs with hemispherical pockets for ball-in-socket engagement with screw head bearings, enabling rotation about two orthogonal axes and a locking mechanism to maintain compression distance, allowing the tool to be pivoted away from the surgical site for increased access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If fixed attachment of legs to screw head assemblies is used, then compression force can be applied directly to bone screw assemblies, but the tool occupies valuable operating space and cannot be pivoted away

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression force applicationVSAvoidoperating space occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic pivotable connection. The legs can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the bone screw assembly, allowing the tool to be pivoted away from the surgical site while maintaining compression capability. This dynamic attachment resolves the contradiction by enabling both force application and space clearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If fixed attachment of legs to screw head assemblies is used, then compression force can be applied directly, but the tool does not allow for pivoting or rotation to achieve desired spinal curvature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression force applicationVSAvoidpivoting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If two separate tools are used to secure both sides of vertebral bodies, then desired spatial relationship can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial relationship precisionVSAvoidsurgical procedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tool merges the function of securing both sides of vertebral bodies into a single integrated instrument. The bone screw assembly with legs attached to opposite sides allows simultaneous engagement of both vertebral bodies, eliminating the need for two separate tools and reducing surgical time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bone screw assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a fixation device and a compression tool. The legs attached to opposite sides of the screw head allow the single assembly to engage and compress both vertebral bodies simultaneously, providing multi-functionality that reduces procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Force

If compression force is applied directly to screw head assemblies, then compression can be achieved, but the screw heads and sidewalls are subjected to undesirable external forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression force applicationVSAvoidundesirable external forces on screw heads

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The legs act as an intermediary between the compression force and the screw head assembly. Instead of applying force directly to the screw heads, the force is transmitted through the legs that are attached to the screw head, distributing the load and reducing harmful concentrated forces on the screw head components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This design allows for controlled compression along the spinal curvature without direct force application to screw heads, providing greater surgical access and maintaining desired vertebral alignment while freeing up operating space.

Implementation Method 1

The pocket of each leg is configured to rotatably engage a bearing attached a rod disposed within a screw head... The pocket within each leg may be generally hemispherical with an inner surface configured to engage the bearing in a ball-in-socket joint engagement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall-in-socket joint engagement: Ball

Data Source

PatentUS11116552B2Osteotomy instrument

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 ALPHATEC SPINE INC

AI summary

An osteotomy instrument for compression and/or distraction spinal procedures includes a first leg and a second leg pivotally attached to the first leg. The first leg and the second leg each include a proximal portion, a distal portion with a distal end and a pocket extending within the distal end towards the proximal portion. The distal portion of each leg is configured to rotatably engage a bearing attached to a spine of a patient. The pocket may be generally hemispherical with an inner surface configured to engage the bearing and form a ball-in-socket joint with the bearing.