Pedicle Screw Locking System for Spinal Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation procedures face challenges in minimizing invasiveness and reducing recovery time for patients with spinal disorders, particularly in stabilizing the spine and maintaining interbody implants, due to the complexity of the spinal structure and the need for precise manipulation of vertebrae during corrective surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A pedicle screw locking system comprising a reduction tube with an inner shaft, grips, a reduction sleeve, and a rotatable tube, along with a locking driver, allows for precise repositioning and locking of pedicle screws, enabling the secure insertion and locking of spinal rods while minimizing invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spinal fixation procedures are used, then spinal stabilization can be achieved, but the invasiveness increases and recovery time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The reduction tube is nested within the distractor body, and the distractor is nested within the rod insertion device. This nested configuration allows multiple functions (reduction, distraction, rod insertion) to be integrated in a single minimally invasive device, eliminating the need for separate invasive procedures while achieving reliable spinal stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The distractor device serves multiple functions: it acts as a reduction tube for vertebral alignment, a distraction device for space creation, and a guide for rod insertion. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate invasive procedures needed, thereby reducing overall invasiveness while maintaining spinal stabilization reliability
2Manufacturing precision
If complex spinal manipulation procedures are performed, then precise vertebrae repositioning can be achieved, but procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reduction tube and distractor functions are merged into a single integrated device. The reduction tube with its engagement fingers combines vertebral alignment capability with the distraction function, simplifying the procedural steps while maintaining precise vertebrae repositioning through the unified device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement fingers act as intermediaries between the reduction tube and the vertebrae, providing precise control and feedback during manipulation. This intermediary mechanism enables accurate vertebrae repositioning while simplifying the operator's control, reducing procedural complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for spinal fixation, then various functions can be performed, but the number of procedures and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor device provides universal functionality by integrating reduction tube capabilities, distraction mechanisms, and rod insertion guidance into one device. This eliminates the need for multiple separate procedures, reducing overall surgical time and patient recovery time while maintaining full functional versatility for spinal fixation
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple spinal fixation functions (reduction, distraction, rod insertion) are merged into a single procedural sequence using the integrated distractor device. This combined approach reduces the cumulative time of multiple separate procedures and accelerates patient recovery while preserving all necessary functional capabilities
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A pedicle screw locking system includes a reduction tube and a locking driver. The reduction tube includes an inner shaft, a pair of grips, a reduction sleeve, and a rotatable tube. The inner shaft has a threaded end and reduction arms distally extending from the threaded end. Each grip of the pair of grips has a finger configured to engage the receiver of a pedicle screw. The reduction sleeve and the rotatable tube are disposed over and coaxially aligned with the inner shaft. The rotatable tube is coupled to the reduction sleeve. The rotatable tube moves the reduction sleeve relative to the reduction arms. The locking driver includes a threaded portion and a blunt tip. The threaded portion is configured to thread into threads in the receiver of the pedicle screw until the blunt tip locks the receiver of the pedicle screw.