Spinal Reduction Jack with Telescoping Gear Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reduction jacks used in spinal procedures are time-consuming, difficult to attach, obstructive, and often of inappropriate length, making them inefficient for aligning and securing spinal rods into rod channels of bone fixation screws.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a reduction jack with a tubular mounting stem, a reduction sleeve that moves along the stem, and a gear assembly with pawls, allowing for rapid attachment and precise positioning of spinal rods, along with an extension for adjustable length, enabling efficient alignment and securement of spinal rods within rod channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional reduction jacks are used to move spinal rods into rod channels, then the spinal rods can be aligned, but the procedure takes an extended period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The reduction jack incorporates a telescoping mechanism that allows the arm to dynamically adjust its length during operation. The arm can be extended to engage with misaligned spinal rods and then telescoped to push the rods into alignment, enabling rapid adjustment without time-consuming manual manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The reduction jack is divided into separable components including a base, an arm, and a telescoping mechanism that can be independently operated. This segmentation allows for quick assembly and disassembly, reducing the time required to prepare and remove the device during the spinal rod alignment procedure
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional reduction jacks are attached to bone fixation screws, then spinal rod alignment can be performed, but attachment is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The reduction jack features a base that can be quickly attached to and removed from bone fixation screws without complex manipulation. The design extracts the attachment function from complex multi-step procedures, allowing for rapid engagement and disengagement during spinal surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The reduction jack is pre-assembled with all necessary components in a ready-to-attach configuration. The base, arm, and telescoping mechanism are prepared in advance, eliminating the need for intraoperative assembly and significantly reducing attachment time
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional reduction jacks are used, then spinal rod alignment can be achieved, but the device obstructs the bone fixation screw making fastener attachment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The reduction jack arm is designed to be dynamically repositionable and retractable. After performing the alignment function, the arm can be telescoped back or repositioned to clear the bone fixation screw, providing unobstructed access for fastener attachment without requiring device removal
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional reduction jacks are used as levers to move vertebrae, then alignment can be achieved, but the fixed length is often too long or too short for desired placement
Solution Approach 1:
The reduction jack incorporates a telescoping arm mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the device length. The arm can be extended to reach distant vertebrae or telescoped to provide shorter leverage for closer placements, making the device adaptable to various spinal alignment scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism enables a single reduction jack design to serve multiple functions and adapt to various surgical scenarios. The same device can be used for different vertebral levels and alignment requirements by simply adjusting the arm length, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-length devices
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 solution enables rapid and precise alignment and securement of spinal rods, reducing procedural time and improving ease of use by providing a mechanical advantage and adjustable length for optimal leverage.
Implementation Method 1
a gear assembly with pawls, allowing for rapid attachment and precise positioning of spinal rods
Implementation Method 2
a reduction sleeve that moves along the stem... the reducer pushes against the spinal rod and forces the spinal rod into the rod channel
Data Source
AI summary
A reduction jack for placing a spinal rod within a rod channel of a bone fixation screw includes a mounting stem having a tubular body, a plurality of teeth disposed on the body, a pair of legs projecting from the body, and catches disposed on the legs for engaging the bone fixation screw. A reduction sleeve at least partially encircles the mounting stem. A gear assembly is mounted on the reduction sleeve and engages the teeth on the body such that manipulation of the gear assembly facilitates movement of the reduction sleeve along the mounting stem. A first pawl is pivotably mounted to the reduction sleeve and resiliently biased against the teeth on the body, the first pawl being pivotable between a first position where the first pawl engages the teeth on the body and a second position wherein the first pawl does not engage the teeth on the body.