Screw Jack Rod Reduction Device for Spinal Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of inserting and securing a spinal rod into the receiving slot of a bone screw during spinal fusion surgery is time-consuming and requires significant effort, with no existing device capable of providing a controlled, measured reduction and adjustment of the rod into position.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated rod reduction device featuring a screw jack mechanism and a grasping fork assembly, allowing for controlled and measured insertion of the rod into the bone screw head, with adjustable holding capabilities for sequential alignment and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional manual rod insertion methods are used, then the surgeon has direct control over rod positioning, but the process is time-consuming and requires significant effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rod reduction device as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the rod. This device includes a rod receptacle that receives the rod, a reduction mechanism that applies controlled force to push the rod into the bone screw recesses, and a release mechanism that allows controlled disengagement. This intermediary device automates the time-consuming manual manipulation while maintaining surgical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod reduction device is designed to perform the rod insertion task autonomously once positioned. The reduction mechanism automatically applies the necessary force to reduce the rod into place without requiring continuous manual manipulation by the surgeon, allowing the device to 'serve itself' in completing the insertion task.
2Ease of operation
If multiple instruments are used for rod insertion, then precise control is achieved, but the device complexity and ease of operation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated rod reduction device. The device merges the rod holding function (rod receptacle), the reduction function (reduction mechanism with threaded rod and nut), and the release function (release mechanism) into one unified instrument. This eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments while maintaining precise control over the rod insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod reduction device is designed with universal applicability to work with standard bone screw configurations. The rod receptacle can accommodate rods of various sizes, and the reduction mechanism can be adjusted to work with different bone screw head configurations, making the device versatile for multiple surgical scenarios.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual rod manipulation is performed without a reduction device, then the surgeon can adjust alignment, but the process requires significant effort and repeated adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The reduction mechanism acts as an intermediary that translates the surgeon's rotational input (turning the nut) into precise linear force application on the rod. This mechanical advantage system allows the surgeon to apply controlled force with minimal effort, while the rod is gradually pushed into the bone screw recesses with precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the threaded reduction mechanism and release mechanism. The surgeon can control the rate and amount of rod reduction by adjusting the threading engagement, and can release the rod for repositioning if alignment adjustments are needed, providing dynamic control over the insertion process.
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
Facilitates efficient and minimally invasive rod insertion and adjustment, reducing surgical time and effort by enabling precise, controlled manipulation of the rod into the bone screw recesses.
Implementation Method 1
a screw jack mechanism and a grasping fork assembly, allowing for controlled and measured insertion of the rod into the bone screw head
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a novel rod reducing device including a screw jack mechanism that is moveably engaged with an elongated grasping fork assembly, the screw jack mechanism having an elongated threaded portion, the elongated threaded portion being connected at its most distal end to a rod contact member, which is positioned in sliding circumferential contact with each of the two opposing elongated grasping members and the most proximal end of the elongated threaded portion terminating in a controlling member, which can be activated in a measured and controlled manner. A method of using the device is also provided.