Pedicle Screw Reference Array Attachment Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer-assisted surgery, attaching a patient reference array to a dedicated pin or Schanz screw requires additional incisions, leading to pain, irritation, and potential bone weakening, while also risking movement of the reference array during surgery, which can affect the accuracy of medical implant placement.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fixation post and an attachment assembly that securely attaches a patient reference array to a medical implant, such as a pedicle screw, eliminating the need for additional incisions and ensuring the reference array remains fixed relative to the patient anatomy during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a patient reference array is attached to a dedicated pin or Schanz screw, then the reference array can be positioned for computer-assisted surgery, but additional incisions are required causing pain, irritation, and potential bone weakening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reference array attachment function with the existing medical implant (pedicle screw), eliminating the need for separate dedicated pins or Schanz screws. The attachment assembly integrates directly onto the implant structure, merging two functions (implantation and reference array mounting) into a single system, thereby avoiding additional incisions and reducing tissue trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The medical implant is designed to serve multiple functions: providing structural support/fixation and simultaneously serving as a mounting platform for the reference array. The attachment assembly with its fixation body, shaft, and actuator mechanism enables the implant to universally accommodate the reference array without requiring specialized additional hardware or separate attachment procedures.
2Measurement precision
If a patient reference array is attached using conventional methods, then the reference array can be positioned, but movement of the reference array during surgery can occur affecting accuracy of medical implant placement
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a movable shaft that can translate along the implant shaft, and an actuator that dynamically adjusts the clamping force on the fixation body. This dynamic system allows for initial positioning followed by secure locking, ensuring both ease of attachment and stability during surgery. The spring-loaded or actuated clamping mechanism adapts to maintain stable contact between the fixation body and implant shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation body acts as an intermediary element between the reference array and the medical implant. It provides a stable interface that transfers and maintains the positional relationship, while the shaft and actuator mechanism serve as intermediaries to secure this connection. This multi-layer intermediary structure ensures that the reference array remains firmly positioned relative to the implant throughout the surgical procedure.
3Reliability
If additional incisions are made to attach reference array to dedicated pins, then reference array can be secured, but device complexity and number of surgical steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reference array attachment function with the existing medical implant structure, eliminating the need for separate dedicated pins or Schanz screws. The attachment assembly integrates directly onto the implant, combining multiple functions (implantation and reference mounting) into a single system, thereby reducing the number of components and surgical steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment assembly is designed to be self-contained and self-securing. The actuator mechanism (manual or automated) allows the fixation body to clamp onto the implant shaft without requiring additional fasteners, sutures, or separate securing steps. The system serves itself by using the implant's own structure as the mounting base, eliminating the need for external support elements or multiple attachment devices.
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
The system allows for accurate and stable attachment of the patient reference array to a medical implant, reducing the risk of movement and associated errors in medical implant placement, while also minimizing tissue trauma and potential bone damage.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded fastener is configured rotate relative to the shaft about the central axis so as to engage threads of an anchor seat of a pedicle screw, thereby causing the distal end of the shaft to translate into the anchor seat along the central axis
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a system attaches a patient reference array of a computer-assisted surgery system to a patient. The system includes a fixation post having a shaft having proximal and distal ends that are offset from. A threaded fastener is coupled to the shaft at the distal end that rotates relative to the shaft so as to engage internal threads of a pedicle screw, thereby causing the distal end of the shaft to translate in the anchor seat and urge the pedicle screw to transition from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration. The attachment assembly has an arm that supports the patient reference array, and a coupler supported by the arm. The coupler has a fixation body that defines a recess that receives at least a portion of the fixation post, and an actuator that secures the attachment assembly to the fixation post.