Plate Holder Instrument for Cervical-Occipital Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling and tapping holes in the dense cortical bone at the rear of the skull for cervical-occipito fixation is challenging due to the need for significant force and precise control at a difficult angle, complicating the immobilization of the spine during spinal fusion procedures.
Innovation Solution
A plate holder instrument with a clamp mechanism that allows for secure holding and positioning of a bone plate, combined with a combination guide for drilling and tapping, facilitating precise screw placement and anchoring with minimal force and improved control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If significant force is applied to drill and tap dense cortical bone at difficult angles, then holes can be penetrated for screw anchoring, but precise drill depth control becomes difficult and the procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plate holder instrument as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the bone plate. This holder provides a stable platform that facilitates drilling and tapping operations by maintaining proper positioning and orientation, thereby enabling force application while preserving drill depth control precision through its structured design with guide holes and engagement features
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using a holder that pre-establishes the drilling angle and depth parameters. The holder's geometry (with specific guide holes at defined angles and depths) transforms the difficult free-hand drilling operation into a controlled operation where parameters are predetermined by the holder structure rather than manually controlled during drilling
2Manufacturing precision
If a clamp mechanism is added to hold the bone plate securely, then positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated plate holder instrument. The holder combines plate retention features (clamping surfaces), positioning features (guide holes for drilling and tapping), and stabilization functions all in one device. This merging reduces the need for multiple separate instruments while maintaining positioning precision through the integrated design
3Ease of operation
If the clamp is made displaceable to allow easy plate loading and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but the locking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements in the clamp mechanism that allow the device to transition between different states. The clamp can be displaced to an open position for easy plate loading and removal, then transitions to a locked position that provides reliable retention. The dynamic design includes movable clamping surfaces and engagement features that automatically secure the plate when in the closed position, thus maintaining both ease of operation and locking reliability
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
Enables efficient and precise immobilization of the spine by allowing for easy loading and securing of bone plates, reducing the complexity and force required for drilling and tapping, thereby enhancing the stability of spinal fusion procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator with a lever arm pivotally mounted to the proximal end of the base by a hinge
Implementation Method 2
an actuator with a link member connected between the lever arm and the clamp
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a plate holder instrument including a base and a clamp. The clamp is displaceable relative to the base in a longitudinal direction and forms a plate receiving recess with the base. The clamp is displaceable between a released position to allow a bone plate to be loaded into and removed from the plate receiving recess, and a clamped position to lock the bone plate in the plate receiving recess. An actuator is displaceable relative to the base in a first direction to move the clamp to the released position and a second direction to move the clamp to the clamped position. The present disclosure further relates to a combination guide which serves as a drilling guide and a tapping guide and can be combined with the plate holder instrument. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a kit comprising the plate holder instrument and the combination guide.