Spinal Rod Alignment Instrument with Multi-Axis Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation systems face difficulties in aligning and seating spinal rods into the rod-receiving portions of fixation devices due to the positioning and rigidity of vertebrae, often requiring time-consuming and cumbersome rod approximators.
Innovation Solution
The development of instruments with bone anchor grasping mechanisms and adjustment mechanisms that allow for lateral and vertical alignment of spinal fixation elements relative to bone anchors, featuring pivotable arms and adjustable components to facilitate precise positioning and seating of spinal rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional rod approximators are used to align and seat spinal rods, then the spinal fixation element can be positioned, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into multiple functional components: a bone anchor grasping mechanism with first and second arms, a spinal fixation element manipulating mechanism with third and fourth arms, and adjustable positioning components. Each segment performs a specific function (grasping, manipulating, positioning) that collectively achieves precise alignment without requiring complex traditional rod approximators
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument combines multiple functions into a single device: it can grasp the bone anchor, manipulate the spinal fixation element, adjust positioning in multiple directions, and seat the rod all in one instrument. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate tools and reduces procedural time while maintaining alignment precision
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional rod approximators are used to align and seat spinal rods, then the spinal fixation element can be positioned, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bone anchor grasping function, spinal fixation element manipulation function, and positioning adjustment function into a single integrated instrument. The first and second arms work together with the third and fourth arms in a coordinated manner, reducing the need for multiple separate instruments and simplifying the overall procedural complexity while achieving precise alignment
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixation devices are used to secure spinal rods, then the vertebrae can be fixed in desired spatial relationship, but the alignment and seating process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow dynamic positioning during the rod seating process. The third and fourth arms can be adjusted to manipulate the spinal fixation element in different directions, and the positioning mechanisms allow for real-time adjustments to achieve proper alignment before securing the rigid fixation, making the rod seating process easier while maintaining final stability
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument for manipulating a spinal fixation element relative to a bone anchor includes a bone anchor grasping mechanism, a first adjustment mechanism, and a second adjustment mechanism. The bone anchor grasping mechanism includes a first arm having a distal end configured to engage an opening provided in the bone anchor. The first adjustment mechanism includes a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm. The second arm has a distal end configured to engage an opening provided in the bone anchor and is operable to adjust a spinal fixation element in a first direction upon pivoting relative to the first arm. The second adjustment mechanism is removably and replaceably coupled to the bone anchor grasping mechanism and is movable relative to the bone anchor grasping mechanism to adjust the spinal fixation element in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, relative to the bone anchor.