Intervertebral Prosthesis Placement Instrument with Guiding Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instruments lack an efficient and precise method for placing intervertebral prostheses between vertebrae, as they fail to effectively distract the vertebrae and guide the prosthesis into position, leading to challenges in accurate placement and insertion.
Innovation Solution
An intervertebral prosthesis placement instrument with opposed jaws having sharp tips for initial insertion between vertebrae and movable slots for guiding fins on the prosthesis into corresponding slots in the vertebrae, allowing for controlled distraction and accurate positioning of the prosthesis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing instruments are used to place intervertebral prostheses, then the placement procedure can be performed, but the instruments fail to effectively distract the vertebrae and guide the prosthesis into position, leading to imprecise placement
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into distinct functional components: distraction mechanism, guiding surfaces with slots, and positioning features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - distraction for separation, slots for guidance, and positioning features for precise placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the prosthesis, providing controlled distraction and precise guidance. The guiding surfaces and slots serve as intermediaries that translate surgical intent into accurate prosthesis placement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vertebrae need to be distracted to insert the prosthesis, then the prosthesis can be placed, but existing instruments lack the capability to control the distraction and guide the prosthesis simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument merges multiple functions into a single device: distraction capability, guidance through slots, and positioning features. This combination allows simultaneous control of vertebrae separation and prosthesis alignment, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is designed as a multi-functional tool that can distract vertebrae, guide the prosthesis through slots, and ensure proper positioning. This universal design addresses multiple requirements of the placement procedure with a single instrument.
3Manufacturing precision
If the jaws need to guide the prosthesis fins into slots, then accurate positioning is achieved, but the instrument structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding surfaces of the jaws incorporate localized slots with specific geometries matched to the prosthesis fins. This local quality enhancement provides precise guidance where needed while keeping the rest of the instrument structure relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an intervertebral prosthesis placement instrument which can be used to facilitate accurate positioning of a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent spinal vertebrae. The instrument (10) has opposed jaws 12 formed with tips (24) that are shaped for insertion between the vertebrae. The jaws can be moved apart from one another to distract the vertebrae, allowing the prosthesis to enter between the vertebrae. The jaws also have opposed surfaces which are shaped to embrace the prosthesis between them and to guide the prosthesis into position.