Spinal Implant Extender System for Minimally Invasive Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic implantation procedures require large incisions for accurate bone measurement, which contradicts the minimally invasive approach by necessitating exposure of a significant area to determine bony landmarks and select or configure implants, thus losing the benefits of minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of guide wires, dilators, cannulas, pedicle screws, and extenders to measure and configure implants through small incisions, allowing for spatial transformation and accurate positioning of implants without exposing large areas, utilizing guide wires and cannulas to facilitate implantation and contouring of rods for posterior spinal fusion systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large incisions are made to permit bone measurement and implant selection, then measurement precision is improved, but tissue trauma increases and minimally invasive benefits are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs nested instruments where smaller measurement and implantation tools are contained within progressively larger guide structures. The guide wire is inserted first, followed by the dilator that expands around it, then the cannula that encloses the dilator, and finally the implantation instrument that fits within the cannula. This nested arrangement enables precise bone measurement and implant selection through small incisions, achieving accurate bony landmark identification while minimizing tissue trauma and maintaining minimally invasive benefits.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If small incisions are used for minimally invasive implantation, then tissue trauma is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limited exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wire serves as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the small incision and the deep bone structures. It is inserted through the small incision and advanced to contact the bony landmarks internally, providing accurate measurement reference points without requiring large exposure. The guide wire mediates between the limited access through small incisions and the need for precise bone measurement, enabling minimally invasive yet accurate implant selection and configuration.
3Measurement precision
If complex instrumentation is used to achieve accurate measurement through small incisions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the implantation process into distinct sequential segments, each handled by a specialized instrument: (1) guide wire insertion for initial positioning and landmark identification, (2) dilator for controlled tissue expansion, (3) cannula for protecting surrounding structures and guiding the final implant, and (4) implantation instrument for securing the rod. This segmentation of functions into modular, sequential steps enables accurate measurement and precise implant placement through small incisions while keeping each individual instrument relatively simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Anatomic points within the body are projected outside the body through the use of extenders. The projected points may then be used for measurement, or to facilitate the selection or configuration of an implant that is to be positioned proximate the anatomic points. Such an implant may be a rod for a posterior spinal fusion system. Pedicle screws may be implanted into pedicles of the spine, and may then serve as anchors for the extenders. The extenders may have rod interfaces that receive the rod in a manner that mimics the geometry of the pedicle screws so that the selected or configured contoured rod will properly fit into engagement with the pedicle screws.