Spinal Reducer Remover Actuator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reducers often become stuck on screw tulips during spinal fusion surgery due to proximity to the wound wall or interference with bony material, necessitating an instrument for removal.
Innovation Solution
A reducer remover with an actuator that extends actuating members to disengage the locking mechanism of the stuck reducer, allowing for its easy removal from the tulip, featuring mechanisms like a ram and actuating teeth that push the reducer off the tulip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the reducer is used to push the spinal fixation rod into the tulip slot, then the rod positioning is achieved, but the reducer becomes stuck on the screw tulip due to proximity to the wound wall or interference with bony material
Solution Approach 1:
The reducer remover is divided into distinct functional segments: an actuator mechanism for generating force, actuating members for engaging the locking mechanism, and a distal end for contacting the rod or set screw. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while facilitating easy removal of the stuck reducer.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to pull the stuck reducer off the tulip directly, the invention applies force in the opposite direction by pushing against the rod or set screw within the tulip. This reverse approach uses the internal components of the screw assembly to leverage the reducer off, solving the removal difficulty caused by external interference.
2Reliability
If the reducer locking mechanism engages the screw tulip to secure the rod, then the fixation is stable, but the locking mechanism prevents easy removal of the reducer
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating members serve as intermediaries between the actuator and the locking mechanism. These members engage with the locking mechanism's actuating surface and transmit the actuating force to disengage the locking mechanism from the tulip, allowing removal while preserving the stability provided by the locking mechanism during fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed to apply force in a predetermined sequence: first engaging the actuating members to disengage the locking mechanism, then continuing to push the reducer off the tulip by contacting the rod or set screw. This preliminary structuring of the removal action ensures that the stable fixation is maintained until the controlled removal process begins.
3Ease of operation
If the actuator continues distally to push the reducer off the tulip, then complete removal is achieved, but the actuator may contact the rod or set screw within the tulip
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to extend distally only as needed to push the reducer off the tulip. The actuating members are positioned to engage the locking mechanism first, and only after disengagement does the actuator continue its distal movement to contact the rod or set screw, ensuring controlled and complete removal without excessive force or unnecessary contact.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a reducer remover to uncouple or unlock a reducer from a tulip of a pedicle screw. To remove the reducer from the tulip, a reducer remover is inserted onto the reducer to engage and unlock the locking mechanism of the reducer. The reducer remover features a ram that extends distally and engages actuating members to move the actuating members outward. The outward movement of the actuating members engages the locking mechanism to disengage or unlock the reducer from the tulip. In one embodiment, the outward movement of the actuating members push on the reducer clips in an outward direction to disengage them from the tulip. If needed, the ram continues movement distally until contacting the rod or set screw within the tulip. This distal movement of the ram pushes the reducer off of the tulip, making the reducer easy to remove from the tulip.