Spinal Rod Insertion Tool Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rod placement procedures in spinal stabilization face challenges such as imprecision in aligning rods with pedicle screws, especially in minimally-invasive procedures, and lack of clear indication when the rod has been advanced sufficiently.
Innovation Solution
The development of a rod insertion tool with a handle, main body, rod engaging member, and adjustment mechanism that allows axial movement of the rod engaging member within the tool's inner passageway, along with a movable arm and outer sheath that can be activated to provide guidance and compression between pedicle screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally-invasive procedures are used for rod placement, then patient trauma is reduced, but alignment precision between rod and pedicle screws deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rod insertion tool serves as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the rod, providing a structured pathway (main body with inner passageway) that guides the rod into proper alignment with pedicle screws while maintaining minimally-invasive access. The tool's geometry acts as a mediator to achieve precision without requiring extensive surgical exposure.
2Ease of operation
If current rod placement methods are used, then procedure simplicity is maintained, but indication of sufficient rod advancement becomes unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The rod insertion tool incorporates visual feedback mechanisms through the main body structure and rod engaging member configuration that provide clear indication to the surgeon when the rod has been advanced to the sufficient position. The design allows the surgeon to observe rod engagement status and advancement depth, transforming an otherwise ambiguous process into one with clear stopping criteria.
3Device complexity
If rod engaging member is fixed in position, then device structure is simplified, but controlled axial movement for compression and alignment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The rod engaging member is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move axially within the main body along the inner passageway. This dynamic feature enables the tool to perform multiple functions including rod engagement, alignment adjustment, and compression application, transforming a static simple structure into a versatile adaptive device.
4Measurement precision
If movable arm and outer sheath are added to provide guidance and compression, then alignment precision and compression capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable arm and outer sheath are integrated into the rod insertion tool to provide multiple functions: the movable arm offers guidance and alignment assistance, while the outer sheath provides compression capability. These additional components transform the tool into a multi-functional device that performs engagement, alignment, guidance, and compression, justifying the increased structural complexity through enhanced versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Rod insertion tools, rods and methods for placing rods in patients are described. An exemplary spinal rod insertion tool comprises a handle, a main body connected to the handle, a rod engaging member disposed within an inner passageway defined by the main body and adapted to move from an extended position to a chambered position in which the rod engaging member distal end is disposed within the inner passageway, and an adjustment mechanism operably connected to the rod engaging member and adapted to cause movement of the rod engaging member from the extended position to the chambered position.