Rod Reducer With Pivotable Plate And Slidable Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic rod reduction tools are limited in their ability to connect with various fixation members, particularly those with smooth surfaces lacking affirmative connection points, and often require manual force in a fluid surgical environment, making them difficult to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A rod reducer apparatus featuring a base with a slidable shaft, a pivotable plate, and a sleeve that can move along the rod, incorporating a ratchet mechanism and springs to facilitate the connection and reduction of orthopedic implants, allowing for adjustable movement and secure locking of fixation members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rod reducer is designed with specific connection mechanisms for fixation members, then it can securely connect to certain implant systems, but it cannot connect to fixation members with smooth surfaces or different types
Solution Approach 1:
The rod reducer incorporates a universal connection mechanism featuring a plate with an aperture that can accommodate various fixation member types including smooth surfaces. The plate can be positioned in different orientations and the aperture can engage with different geometries, allowing the same device to connect to multiple implant systems without requiring device changes
2Device complexity
If manual force is used to reduce the rod in a fluid surgical environment, then no additional mechanical components are needed, but the reduction process becomes difficult and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The rod reducer introduces a mechanical intermediary system consisting of a slidable shaft, movable plate, and spring mechanism that mediates between the surgeon's manual input and the rod reduction task. The spring-loaded plate automatically engages with the fixation member and provides controlled force to push the rod into place, transforming manual effort into precise mechanical action
3Reliability
If the plate is always in a locked position, then the fixation member is securely held, but the plate cannot accept or release fixation members
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to slide along the shaft between a locked position that secures the fixation member and an accepting position that receives or releases it. The spring mechanism provides automatic positioning assistance, moving the plate between these states based on engagement forces, thereby combining security with operational flexibility
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 apparatus enables efficient and secure connection of orthopedic implants to various fixation members, including those with smooth surfaces, and simplifies the rod reduction process by providing mechanical assistance in a fluid surgical environment, enhancing the precision and ease of orthopedic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
One or more springs can be placed between the stock and the actuator
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet operative to move the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument is provided for use in orthopedic surgery, such as for reduction of spinal rods. In one embodiment, a shaft is pivotably connected to a plate with an aperture, and a sleeve is slidable over the shaft and plate. A base member can be provided for ease in handling the instrument, which may include a ratchet mechanism connected to the sleeve. The plate is moved so that its aperture is oriented to allow an orthopedic implant, such as a Schanz-type screw, to be inserted into the aperture. After insertion, the shaft is moved so as to pivot the plate so that the plate grips or holds the implant. The sleeve is then slid over the shaft, plate and implant in contact with an elongated member, such as a spinal rod, or other implanted device or tissue. Further sliding the sleeve forces the elongated member toward or past the implant.