Monolithic Percutaneous Screw Assembly for Extender-Free Rod Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal surgery techniques require external extender instruments for rod reduction, which are cumbersome and increase the risk of misassembly and material costs, while existing monolithic percutaneous-screw systems do not fully address the need for minimally invasive and cost-effective spinal fixation.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic percutaneous-screw system with a receiver, intrinsic extender, and guide cap connected monolithically, featuring breakoff sections that allow for easy separation and assembly without external extenders, reducing material costs and procedural complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external extender instruments are used for rod reduction, then rod reduction can be achieved, but device complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extender function is extracted from external instruments and integrated into the receiver itself through intrinsic extenders that are monolithically connected to the receiver body, eliminating the need for separate external extender instruments
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions (receiver, extender, guide cap) are merged into a single monolithic structure that can be separated at breakoff sections, combining the benefits of integrated design with the flexibility of modular assembly
2Ease of operation
If external extender instruments are used for rod reduction, then rod reduction can be achieved, but material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extender function is extracted from external instruments and integrated into the receiver itself through intrinsic extenders that are monolithically connected to the receiver body, eliminating the need for separate external extender instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The breakoff sections are designed to be discarded after serving their temporary purpose during assembly, reducing overall material usage while maintaining full functionality during the critical assembly phase
3Ease of operation
If monolithic percutaneous-screw system is used, then minimally invasive surgery is enabled, but rod reduction requires complex external instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The extender function is extracted from external instruments and integrated into the receiver itself through intrinsic extenders that are monolithically connected to the receiver body, eliminating the need for separate external extender instruments
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions (receiver, extender, guide cap) are merged into a single monolithic structure that can be separated at breakoff sections, combining the benefits of integrated design with the flexibility of modular assembly
4Reliability
If traditional pedicle-screw assemblies are used, then spinal fixation can be achieved, but procedural complexity and misassembly risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (receiver, extender, guide cap) are merged into a single monolithic structure that can be separated at breakoff sections, combining the benefits of integrated design with the flexibility of modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic structure is divided into separable components at breakoff sections, allowing for controlled disassembly and assembly while maintaining structural integrity during use
Data Source
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AI summary
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a monolithic percutaneous-screw system for use in spinal surgery. The system includes (i) a receiver having a distal base and a pair of opposing arms extending proximally from the base, a pair of opposing distal breakoff sections, each connected monolithically to a proximal end of a corresponding one of the arms, (ii) a pair of opposing proximal breakoff sections, (iii) a pair of opposing intermediate extenders, each extending from a distal end, connected monolithically to a corresponding one of the distal breakoff sections, to a proximal end connected monolithically to a corresponding one of the proximal breakoff section, and (iv) a guide cap connected monolithically to both of the proximal breakoff sections.