Spinal Cage Insertion Device With Adjustable Screw Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal surgical devices lack an efficient mechanism for accurately inserting and positioning expandable cages within the intervertebral space to support adjacent vertebrae, which is crucial for spinal fusion and decompression procedures.
Innovation Solution
An insertion device with first and second engagement arms and an adjustment mechanism, featuring a screw and cylinder system, is used to precisely position and adjust the expandable cage within the intervertebral space, allowing for controlled expansion and contraction to match the height between vertebrae.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional insertion device is used to insert spinal cages, then the insertion process is simple, but the positioning precision and alignment accuracy of the cage within the intervertebral space are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion device is divided into multiple functional components: engagement arms for gripping the cage, adjustment mechanisms for positioning, and alignment features for orientation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function precisely while maintaining overall device manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement arms act as intermediaries between the surgeon's control and the expandable cage, providing mechanical advantage and precise control over cage insertion and positioning. The adjustment mechanism serves as an intermediary to fine-tune the spacing between engagement arms for accurate alignment
2Adaptability or versatility
If the expandable cage is inserted without an adjustment mechanism, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to accurately match the height between vertebrae is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion device incorporates adjustable engagement arms with variable spacing capability, allowing the device to dynamically adapt to different intervertebral heights. The adjustment mechanism enables real-time modification of arm spacing during the surgical procedure to match specific anatomical requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows change in the spacing parameter between engagement arms through the adjustment mechanism, enabling adaptation to different vertebral height requirements. This parameter adjustment provides versatility across various surgical scenarios without requiring multiple specialized devices
3Ease of operation
If the engagement arms are fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the controlled expansion and contraction of the cage cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement arms are designed with adjustable spacing capability through an adjustment mechanism, allowing dynamic modification of arm position during surgery. This enables the surgeon to control cage expansion and contraction by adjusting the distance between engagement arms to match the desired intervertebral height
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
Enables precise placement and adjustment of the expandable cage, facilitating effective spinal fusion and decompression by ensuring accurate alignment and depth of the cage, thereby enhancing surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment mechanism operably couples the first and second proximal extensions of the respective first and second engagement arms to one another and includes an adjustment screw and an adjustment cylinder. The adjustment screw is rotatably coupled to the first proximal extension and includes a shank defining threading.
Implementation Method 2
The adjustment cylinder is coupled to the second proximal extension and defines a threaded passageway configured to receive the shank of the adjustment screw in threaded engagement therewith. As such, rotation of the adjustment screw relative to the adjustment cylinder urges the second proximal extension to translate along the first proximal extension to vary the spacing between the first and second engagement arms.
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion device includes a first engagement arm having a first body portion and a first proximal extension, a second engagement arm including a second body portion and a second proximal extension, and an adjustment mechanism. The second proximal extension is disposed about the first proximal extension and is slidable therealong to vary a spacing between the first and second engagement arms. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment screw rotatably coupled to the first proximal extension and an adjustment cylinder coupled to the second proximal extension. The adjustment cylinder is configured to receive the adjustment screw in threaded engagement therewith such that rotation of the adjustment screw relative to the adjustment cylinder urges the second proximal extension to translate along the first proximal extension to vary the spacing between the first and second engagement arms.