Spinal Rod Approximator With Flexible Branches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation systems face difficulties in aligning and seating spinal rods into rod-receiving portions of fixation devices due to the rigidity and positioning of vertebrae, requiring time-consuming and challenging procedures.
Innovation Solution
A spinal rod approximator tool with flexible branches and a threaded collar system that grips the spinal implant, allows for easy seating of the rod, and includes an outer sleeve to prevent branch separation, facilitating the insertion and locking of the closure mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rod approximators are used to seat spinal rods, then the rod can be seated into the rod-receiving portion, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The approximator features a flexible jaw assembly with movable jaws that can dynamically adjust their position and shape to accommodate different implant configurations. The jaws can be spread apart to grasp the implant head and then closed to secure it, providing adaptive gripping that simplifies operation while ensuring reliable rod seating.
Solution Approach 2:
The approximator is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion, a flexible jaw assembly with individual movable jaws, and a rod-receiving portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving ease of operation while maintaining overall reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the vertebra positioning is rigid, then the fixation device can be securely anchored, but aligning and seating the rod becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible jaw assembly can change its geometric parameters (opening angle, jaw position, gripping force) to accommodate the rigid vertebra positioning. By adjusting these parameters, the approximator can adapt to different implant orientations and depths, making rod alignment easier while maintaining fixation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The approximator acts as an intermediary tool between the surgeon's manual manipulation and the rigid fixation system. It provides a mechanical interface that translates simple gripping motions into precise rod-seating actions, bridging the gap between operator intent and the rigid requirements of the fixation system.
3Strength
If the rod-receiving portion is tightly fitted, then the fixation is secure, but inserting and locking the closure mechanism becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The approximator is designed with a nested structure where the rod-receiving portion is contained within the body, and the closure mechanism is inserted through the approximator's channel. This nesting allows the closure mechanism to be guided into the tightly fitted rod-receiving portion without requiring complex external manipulation, maintaining fixation strength while improving insertion ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The approximator serves as an intermediary guide that facilitates the insertion of the closure mechanism into the tightly fitted rod-receiving portion. Its internal geometry provides alignment and protection during insertion, making the process easier while ensuring the secure fixation required by the tight fit.
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 tool efficiently and easily seats the spinal rod into the rod-receiving portion, reducing the time and effort required in spinal surgery, making the procedure more efficient and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded collar adapted to couple the body and inserter shaft such that the inserter shaft forces a spinal rod into the rod-receiving portion of the spinal implant
Implementation Method 2
The distal end includes first and second flexible branches for gripping a spinal implant
Implementation Method 3
The sleeve is movable between a first and second position wherein movement of the sleeve prevents the branches from spreading and separating from its grip on the implant
Data Source
AI summary
Spinal rod approximator for seating a stabilizing rod in a rod-receiving portion of a spinal implant and inserting closure mechanism is provided. In one embodiment, a spinal rod approximator is provided including a body with gripping branches, inserter shaft, threaded collar, and outer sleeve.