Spherical Burr Design for Anterior Cervical Microdiskectomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anterior cervical microdiskectomy procedures face challenges in effectively removing bone spurs and maintaining the integrity of the posterior longitudinal ligament during the surgical process, leading to potential nerve compression and paralysis.
Innovation Solution
An improved burr design with a smooth, rounded peripheral edge and abrading surface that contacts the posterior longitudinal ligament without cutting or puncturing it, allowing for the removal of bone spurs while protecting the ligament, combined with a method that includes using multiple burrs to carefully remove disc components and osteophytes while preserving the ligament.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotating burr with a spherical head is used to remove bone spurs, then bone spur removal effectiveness is improved, but the risk of cutting or puncturing the posterior longitudinal ligament increases
Solution Approach 1:
The burr head is designed with a spherical shape and a rounded peripheral edge instead of a sharp edge. This curvature allows the burr to contact and rotate against the posterior longitudinal ligament without cutting or puncturing it, while still effectively abrading the bone spur through the abrading surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The burr head has different surface properties in different regions: a smooth rounded peripheral edge for safe contact with the ligament, and an abrading surface for effective bone spur removal. This local differentiation of surface qualities allows simultaneous protection of the ligament and effective bone removal.
2Productivity
If aggressive bone spur removal is performed, then nerve compression relief is improved, but the risk of nerve damage and paralysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smooth rounded peripheral edge of the burr acts as an intermediary protective element between the rotating burr and the posterior longitudinal ligament. This intermediary surface allows the burr to be positioned and rotated close to the nerve structures without directly damaging them, enabling aggressive bone spur removal while maintaining nerve safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical shape with rounded edges distributes contact pressure and prevents concentrated forces that could damage nerves. This geometry allows the surgeon to aggressively remove bone spurs while the rounded contours prevent accidental nerve puncture or laceration.
3Ease of operation
If the posterior longitudinal ligament is removed or damaged during surgery, then access to bone spurs is improved, but the risk of instability and nerve compression increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing the posterior longitudinal ligament to access bone spurs, the invention extracts only the bone spur while leaving the ligament intact. The specially designed burr allows bone spur removal through abrasion while the smooth rounded edge protects the ligament from being cut or punctured during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical approach is segmented into two distinct functions: the smooth rounded peripheral edge of the burr protects and contacts the ligament, while the abrading surface removes the bone spur. This functional segmentation allows bone spur removal without ligament sacrifice, maintaining spinal stability.
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 approach minimizes nerve damage and facilitates safer removal of bone spurs and disc components, reducing the risk of paralysis and improving surgical outcomes by maintaining ligament integrity and promoting bone fusion.
Implementation Method 1
an abrading surface extending away from the smooth end surface and the smooth rounded peripheral edge and inwardly toward the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided to perform an anterior cervical microdiskectomy to remove at least one bone spur on a pair of adjacent vertebrae in a spinal column that includes a posterior longitudinal ligament. Each vertebra contacts a disk positioned therebetween. The disk includes an annulus and a nucleus. The method comprises the steps of removing a portion of the annulus of the disk; removing the nucleus of the disk; removing the vertebral plates with a first burr; removing a portion of the bone spur with a second burr having a spherically shaped abrading head; and, providing a third burr. The third burr comprises an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximate end; and, a head attached to and extending outwardly from the distal end of the shaft. The head includes a smooth end surface; and, a smooth rounded peripheral edge circumscribing the end surface. The end surface and rounded peripheral edge are shaped and dimensioned to contact rotatably the posterior longitudinal ligament without cutting or puncturing the ligament. The head also includes an abrading surface extending away from the smooth end surface and from the smooth rounded peripheral edge and inwardly toward the shaft. The method also includes the steps of rotating the third burr; contacting the posterior longitudinal ligament with at least a portion of the smooth end surface and the smooth rounded peripheral edge, and, contacting the bone spur with the abrading surface.