Spinal Compression Gauge for Precise Implant Size Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for determining the proper size of spinal implants during spinal fusion surgery are subjective and can cause damage to the spine and surrounding tissues, leading to complications such as bone fracture, bone resorption, and lack of bone growth due to improper force application.
Innovation Solution
A compression instrument with compressors and gauges is used to measure and apply spinal compression forces, featuring arms, tips, and pivots to securely engage with the spine, and indicators to display the applied force, allowing for precise determination of the appropriate implant size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If subjective force application is used to determine implant size, then the physician can quickly assess fit, but the measurement precision and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective mechanical assessment (physician's hand feeling) with an objective measurement system comprising a compression instrument with gauge. The instrument includes a compressor element that applies controlled compression and a gauge element that provides visual feedback through indicator markings, transforming the tactile estimation process into a precise visual measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge element provides real-time visual feedback to the physician during the implant selection process. The indicator marking on the gauge moves in response to compression force applied by the compressor, allowing the physician to observe the actual compression force being applied and select the appropriate implant size based on objective feedback rather than subjective estimation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If trials are hammered into the spine to test implant fit, then various implant sizes can be evaluated, but harmful forces are applied causing tissue damage and bone fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The compression instrument serves as an intermediary device between the physician and the spine. Instead of directly hammering trials into the patient's spine, the instrument applies controlled compression forces through its compressor element, which can be released without causing permanent damage. This intermediary mechanism allows multiple implant sizes to be evaluated without the harmful effects of repeated hammering.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument design inherently cushions and controls the compression force applied to the spine. The compressor element can be actuated to apply force and then released, preventing the transmission of harmful impact forces to the vertebral bodies and surrounding tissue that would occur with hammering trials.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple trials of various sizes are inserted to determine proper implant configuration, then implant fit can be assessed, but the complexity and time required for the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the implant trials themselves and places it in a separate compression instrument. Instead of relying on the physical presence of multiple trial implants of different sizes, the instrument provides a unified measurement system that can assess compression force regardless of which trial implant is being evaluated, streamlining the selection process.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for measuring and applying a spinal compression force are provided. Some implementations of the systems and methods include a compression instrument having one or more compressors or gauges. In some cases, the compressor is configured to apply the spinal compression force to a spine of a patient. In some cases, the gauge is configured to measure the spinal compression force. Other implementations are discussed herein.