Reamer Instrument Feedback Mechanism for Bone Anchor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reamer instruments lack a feedback mechanism to indicate the degree of bone removal, leading to potential over- or under-reaming, which can complicate and prolong the bone anchor assembly process.
Innovation Solution
The development of reamer instruments equipped with a feedback mechanism that alerts the user when sufficient bone has been removed for the assembly of a bone anchor. This mechanism is triggered by a movable shaft displaced by the bone anchor shank during reaming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing reamer instruments are used without a feedback mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of bone removal is compromised leading to over- or under-reaming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where an indicator provides real-time visual feedback to the surgeon during reaming. The indicator moves in response to the reamer's longitudinal movement, signaling when sufficient bone removal has been achieved. This allows the surgeon to stop reaming at the precise moment when the desired clearance is obtained, preventing both over-reaming and under-reaming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an indicator as an intermediary element that mediates between the reamer's mechanical action and the surgeon's control. The indicator translates the complex mechanical state of bone removal into a simple visual signal, allowing the surgeon to indirectly monitor and control the reaming process without directly measuring bone removal.
2Measurement precision
If repeated insertion and removal of the reamer is performed to check bone removal sufficiency, then the measurement precision improves, but the productivity decreases due to prolonged procedure time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of bone removal during the reaming process. Instead of interrupting the reaming operation to check bone removal, the indicator provides continuous visual feedback throughout the procedure. This allows the surgeon to maintain continuous useful action (reaming) while simultaneously obtaining measurement information, eliminating the need for repeated insertion and removal cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The real-time feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to assess bone removal accuracy continuously during the procedure. The indicator's position provides immediate information about the degree of bone removal, enabling the surgeon to make precise adjustments without stopping the reaming operation, thus maintaining both measurement precision and procedural efficiency.
3Reliability
If no feedback mechanism is provided, then the ease of operation is improved by simplifying the instrument, but the reliability of bone anchor assembly decreases due to inadequate clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism enhances the reliability of bone anchor assembly by providing the surgeon with real-time information about bone removal sufficiency. The indicator signals when the appropriate clearance has been achieved, ensuring that the receiver can be successfully attached to the shank. This feedback does not significantly complicate the operation, as the indicator is integrated into the existing reamer structure and provides intuitive visual information.
Solution Approach 2:
The reamer instrument performs the dual function of bone removal and clearance assessment through its integrated indicator system. The instrument essentially monitors its own performance, providing self-service by automatically indicating when the desired bone removal has been achieved, eliminating the need for separate assessment tools or procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Reamer instruments and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for reaming bone to facilitate in situ assembly of a bone anchor. In some embodiments, the instrument can include a feedback mechanism configured to alert the user when sufficient bone has been removed to facilitate assembly of the bone anchor. The feedback mechanism can be triggered by a movable shaft of the instrument that is displaced by the shank portion of the bone anchor as the surrounding bone is reamed.