Spinal Rod Drive Tool for Minimized Surgical Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal rod reduction and rotation tools are complex, bulky, require multiple rotations, offer limited tactile feedback, and are not easily adaptable for minimally invasive surgery, leading to longer surgical times and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A drive tool apparatus with a single unitary drive rod and actuating mechanism that provides tactile feedback and visual guidance for rod reduction and rotation, featuring a mechanical guide and quick attachment mechanism for minimally invasive spinal surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional threaded mechanisms are used for rod reduction, then the rod can be advanced into coupling members, but the device becomes complicated, bulky, and requires multiple revolutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional threaded mechanical advancement mechanism with a direct linear drive system. The drive rod translates rotational motion directly into linear motion of the pushing member through a simple mechanical linkage, eliminating the need for complex threaded mechanisms and multiple revolutions while reducing device bulk and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the threaded mechanism component from the rod reduction system, retaining only the essential linear advancement function. This simplification removes unnecessary complexity while preserving the core functionality of advancing the rod into the coupling members
2Ease of operation
If conventional rod reduction devices are used, then rod advancement is achieved, but tactile feedback to the operator is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the drive rod is directly coupled to the pushing member through a mechanical linkage that transmits tactile information from the rod-coupling member interaction back to the operator's hand. This allows the operator to feel resistance, engagement, and completion of the reduction process in real-time
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional two-handed reduction devices are used, then rod reduction is accomplished, but surgical time increases and adaptability to minimally invasive surgery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (rod reduction, rotation control, and positioning) into a single integrated drive tool that can be operated with one hand. The unified design integrates the drive rod, pushing member, and control mechanisms into one cohesive instrument, eliminating the need for separate tools and reducing surgical steps
Solution Approach 2:
The drive tool is designed with universal applicability to work with various rod sizes and coupling member configurations. The adjustable and modular components allow the same device to adapt to different surgical scenarios, including both minimally invasive and open approaches, increasing versatility while maintaining efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A minimally invasive and open surgery surgical system for implanting spinal screw assemblies to be connected by a spinal rod is disclosed. In one form, the system includes an improved tool device for inserting a cap insert into an initial and final locking of a screw assembly and securing a spinal rod inserted through an incision to a vertebra. In another form, the system also includes a screw fixation system that allows greater variability in thread diameter for orthopedic implant for in the spine, iliac crest, or bones.