Spinal Derotator with Axial Channels for Malaligned Vertebrae
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In spinal surgery, aligning vertebrae with complex curvature and irregularities is challenging due to the difficulty in using conventional instrumentation, especially when vertebrae are severely malaligned, making it hard to interconnect implants like rods or plates effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising elongate derotator members and transverse members with channels and linking members that allow for the alignment and stabilization of vertebrae, enabling the use of tools to access and secure implants, and an interlevel linking assembly to connect multiple derotator members for improved alignment and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional instrumentation is used to align vertebrae with complex curvature, then the surgical procedure follows standard protocols, but the ability to effectively interconnect implants is severely limited due to extreme malalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The derotator member is divided into multiple segments including a body portion, an elongate element, and a linking member. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function: the body portion engages the first implant, the elongate element provides the necessary length and orientation, and the linking member connects to the transverse member. This modular approach enables effective implant interconnection even in cases of extreme vertebral malalignment where conventional single-piece instrumentation would fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The derotator member introduces a third dimensional aspect to spinal alignment by incorporating derotation capability alongside the traditional two-dimensional alignment functions. The elongate element can be oriented at various angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the derotator member, allowing correction of complex three-dimensional deformities including scoliosis and severe malalignment that cannot be addressed by conventional planar instrumentation.
2Ease of operation
If the derotator member uses a long elongate element to reach malaligned vertebrae, then implant access is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The derotator member is designed as a multi-functional device that combines several capabilities in a single component: it provides derotation through the articulated linking member, enables implant access through the elongate element, maintains structural stability through the body portion, and allows for tool passage through the longitudinal channel. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments, reducing overall procedural complexity despite the sophisticated functionality of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal channel acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates tool access to the implant without requiring direct exposure. The channel provides a protected pathway through the derotator member, allowing surgical tools to reach and manipulate the implant while the derotator member itself maintains the necessary position and orientation. This intermediary approach simplifies the surgical procedure by decoupling the access function from the stabilization function.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, assemblies, components and methods for correcting alignment of one or more vertebrae of a spine are provided. A first elongate derotator member includes a first elongate element having a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion. The first distal end portion is releasably engageable with a first implant implanted in one of the vertebrae. A second elongate derotator member comprising a second elongate element is releasably engageable with a second implant implanted in the same vertebra. A transverse member is engageable with the first and second elongate elements. A first channel extends axially through the first elongate element and a second channel extends axially through the second elongate element such that a proximal end portion of the first implant can be accessed from a proximal end portion of the first elongate element by inserting a tool through the first channel and a proximal end portion of the second implant can be accessed from a proximal end portion of the second elongate element by inserting the tool or another tool through the second channel.