Rod Reduction Assembly Translation Unit Spinal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rod reduction instruments in spinal fixation constructs are often bulky, time-consuming, and limited in achievable reduction depth, making them inefficient for aligning and seating spinal fixation rods in anchors, especially when vertebrae are out of alignment.
Innovation Solution
The development of a rod reduction assembly that includes a coupling unit and a translation unit, which couples to the anchor and translates relative to the coupling unit to urge the rod into the anchor housing, allowing for efficient alignment and seating of the rod with a locking mechanism to secure it in place, reducing the need for extensive manual threading and force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rod reduction instruments are used, then rod alignment can be achieved, but the instruments are bulky and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The rod reduction instrument is divided into separate functional modules: a coupling unit that attaches to the anchor and a translation unit that moves along the rod. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing the overall bulk of the instrument during the reduction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates a translation unit that can dynamically adjust its position along the rod through translational movement. This dynamic capability allows the instrument to adapt to different reduction depths and anchor positions, improving ease of operation while maintaining a compact form factor.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional rod reduction instruments are used, then rod seating can be achieved, but the reduction depth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The translation unit is designed to translate along the rod in a controlled manner, enabling precise adjustment of reduction depth. The dynamic translational movement allows the instrument to achieve greater reduction depths compared to fixed-position instruments, while the modular design keeps the overall complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation unit acts as an intermediary between the coupling unit and the rod, providing controlled force transmission and position adjustment. This intermediary mechanism enables precise control over reduction depth without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms.
3Productivity
If manual threading and force are used, then rod installation can be achieved, but extensive time and effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The translation unit is designed to automatically translate along the rod when force is applied to the coupling unit, eliminating the need for extensive manual threading. The self-service mechanism converts applied force into controlled translational movement, significantly reducing the time and effort required for rod installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument replaces manual threading operations with a mechanical translation mechanism. Instead of requiring surgeons to manually thread the rod through anchors, the translation unit provides controlled mechanical movement that seats the rod efficiently, reducing procedural time and effort.
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
This solution enables more efficient and precise alignment and seating of spinal fixation rods, reducing procedural time and effort, and allowing for consistent and reliable rod reduction across multiple anchors, thereby facilitating more effective spinal stabilization during fusion surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a translation unit (104) that translates relative to the coupling unit (102) to urge the rod (14) into the anchor housing (20)
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes example embodiments of rod reduction instrumentation. The rod reducers can be used during the installation of a rod based surgical fixation system to help urge the rod into the fixation anchors. The reducers described provide various configurations delivering large reduction distance capabilities, strong controlled reduction coupled with an ability to quickly advance the reducer if desired, and reduction of bulk through the surgical corridor.