Spinal Fixation Guide Assembly for Minimally Invasive Rod Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Constructing posterior spinal fixation constructs under minimally invasive conditions is challenging due to the difficulty in aligning a fixation rod with the rod channel, especially when vertebrae are out of alignment, and requires larger incisions to visualize and manipulate the rod and housing.
Innovation Solution
A spinal fixation system with integral and independent reduction features, including a fixation anchor with a break-off extension guide and guide cap, allows for minimally invasive rod alignment and seating, using tools like a breaking tool and reduction instrument to realign vertebrae and lock the rod in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If minimally invasive access conditions are used, then incision length and muscle stripping are reduced, but the difficulty of aligning the rod with the rod channel increases
Solution Approach 1:
A guide assembly acts as an intermediary tool that extends from the anchor housing to provide a visual and physical guide for rod alignment. The guide assembly includes guide arms that can be manipulated to align with the rod, enabling minimally invasive alignment without requiring large incisions for direct visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide assembly extends in a direction away from the posterior elements of the spine, creating an additional dimensional reference that protrudes from the patient's body. This extension provides a visual and tactile reference point that facilitates rod alignment through the incision without requiring extensive exposure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If vertebrae are out of alignment, then spinal alignment correction is needed, but the rod alignment and seating difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly is designed with movable guide arms that can be adjusted and manipulated during the procedure. This dynamic structure allows the guide to adapt to varying vertebral alignments and facilitate rod seating even when vertebrae are out of alignment, maintaining precision without requiring perfect initial alignment.
3Illumination intensity
If larger incisions are used, then visualization and manipulation of the rod and housing are improved, but the minimally invasive benefit is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly serves as a visual mediator that extends the surgeon's ability to see and manipulate the rod alignment. By providing external guide arms that protrude from the patient, the system enables visualization and alignment control through small incisions without requiring large exposures for direct viewing.
Data Source
AI summary
This application describes surgical instruments and implants for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column. More specifically, the application describes instruments and methods for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column in a minimally invasive fashion.