Spinal Compression Instrument With Force Gauging for Implant Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for determining the proper size of spinal implants during spinal fusion surgery are subjective and often 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 a spinal compression force, featuring arms with tips that can couple to spinal implants or vertebrae, and includes indicators to display the applied force, allowing for precise determination of the appropriate implant size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If subjective force application by physician is used to determine implant size, then implant selection can be made quickly, but measurement precision and reliability are poor leading to improper force application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective mechanical sense-based force application with an objective measurement system using load cells and electronic sensors that convert mechanical force into electrical signals for precise measurement and display, eliminating physician subjectivity while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The compression instrument automatically measures and displays the compression force applied to the spine through integrated load cells and digital displays, allowing the system to self-monitor and provide real-time feedback without requiring external measurement devices or complex calibration procedures
2Reliability
If trials are hammered into the spine to test implant fit, then implant size can be determined, but harmful forces are applied causing tissue damage and bone fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful hammering process into a beneficial controlled compression measurement process by using load cells to measure the force required to achieve proper implant fit, transforming a damaging mechanical impact into a precise, monitored, and controllable force application that prevents tissue damage
Solution Approach 2:
The compression instrument incorporates real-time feedback through digital displays showing the exact compression force being applied, allowing the physician to immediately adjust the force to stay within safe limits and achieve the desired implant configuration without exceeding tissue tolerance thresholds
3Ease of operation
If vibration and sharp forces are applied during trial insertion, then implant seating can be achieved, but damage to spine and surrounding tissue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous violent hammering with periodic, controlled compression measurements that gradually advance the implant into position through repeated, monitored force applications, allowing tissue to adapt and reducing cumulative damage while maintaining insertion effectiveness
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
The system enables accurate measurement and application of spinal compression forces, reducing the risk of damage and complications by ensuring the correct implant size is selected, thereby promoting proper bone growth and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the gauge is configured to measure the spinal compression force
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.