Pedicle Screw Extension Wing Structure for Smaller MIS Incisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional minimally invasive spinal surgery requires large incisions due to the cylindrical shape of pedicle screw extension components, which interferes with surgical access, leading to significant tissue damage and wound size.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive surgical screw device with a flexible extension wing and positioning element, allowing for a smaller surgical incision by retracting muscle and skin tissues using a biocompatible flexible material that is significantly narrower than conventional extensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cylindrical extension components are used for pedicle screws, then the surgical path can be maintained and tools can be operated, but the incision size must be large (at least 5 cm) to prevent interference between adjacent screws
Solution Approach 1:
The extension component is divided into multiple flat wings (typically three) radiating from a central axis, replacing the conventional single cylindrical extension. These segmented wings can be positioned adjacent to each other without interfering with neighboring screw extensions, allowing smaller incisions while maintaining surgical accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension component transitions from a three-dimensional cylindrical shape to a two-dimensional flat wing structure. This dimensional reduction allows the extensions to be arranged in a compact planar configuration, minimizing the space required for surgical tool manipulation and reducing the required incision size.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cylindrical extension components are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the surgical incision width must be increased to accommodate the extensions
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical extension is segmented into multiple flat wings that radiate from a central axis. This segmentation maintains the structural stability needed for surgical support while reducing the overall cross-sectional area occupied by each extension, allowing closer spacing of adjacent screws and smaller incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension wings are designed as thin, flat structures that provide sufficient structural support for their intended function. These thin-film-like extensions occupy minimal space while maintaining the necessary rigidity to support surgical tools and maintain the surgical path.
3Ease of operation
If larger incisions are made to accommodate cylindrical extensions, then surgical tools can access the pedicle screws, but tissue damage increases and wound healing is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
By reducing the extension from a three-dimensional cylinder to a two-dimensional flat wing structure, the space required for surgical tool access is minimized. This allows the same surgical operations to be performed through smaller incisions, reducing tissue trauma and improving postoperative healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin, flat wing structure requires minimal space for surgical manipulation, enabling tools to access the pedicle screws through small incisions. This reduces the amount of tissue that must be cut and retracted, minimizing tissue damage and facilitating faster wound healing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A MIS screw device is provided. The MIS screw device includes: a screw element; a positioning element having a limiting portion for receiving the screw element and an expanding portion connected to the limiting portion; and a flexible extension wing having two opposing first sections respectively coupled to opposite positions of the positioning element, wherein the two first sections extend in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the positioning element. Thereby, by using the MIS screw device of the present disclosure, pedicle screws implantation can be performed while minimizing the wound area at the surgical site and reducing the space occupied by the surgical path from the skin to the subcutaneous tissue.