Spinal Rod System with Quick Release Extenders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical systems for treating spinal disorders, such as scoliosis and kyphosis, face challenges in efficiently delivering and positioning vertebral rods relative to bone fasteners, particularly in achieving precise alignment and secure fixation while allowing for adjustable and reusable components.
Innovation Solution
A spinal rod system comprising extenders, reducers, and translators with quick release mechanisms, which include bone anchor attachment features and flexible leg extensions to facilitate the introduction and fixation of vertebral rods to bone fasteners, allowing for adjustable and secure engagement, and can be configured as disposable or reusable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rod reduction devices are used, then rod insertion is facilitated, but device complexity increases and operation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The rod reduction device is divided into distinct functional components: a rod holder with gripping surfaces for securing the rod, a reduction mechanism with adjustable arms for applying controlled force, and a release mechanism for easy disengagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates movable arms with adjustable positions and a dynamic release mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The arms can be positioned at different angles and distances from the rod holder, allowing real-time adjustment during the rod reduction process to optimize force application and control.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment mechanisms are added, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod holder and reduction mechanism are designed with symmetric geometries and balanced force distribution features. The opposing arms are configured to apply equal and opposite forces during rod reduction, creating a balanced system that naturally maintains alignment without requiring additional complex alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates self-aligning features where the rod holder's gripping surfaces automatically orient themselves to the rod's axis during insertion. The movable arms are designed to naturally converge toward the rod center during the reduction process, providing self-correction and maintaining precision without external intervention or complex control systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If reusable components are designed, then cost effectiveness improves, but cleaning and sterilization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reusable components are manufactured from uniform, homogeneous materials such as medical-grade stainless steel or titanium with consistent surface properties. This material uniformity ensures predictable sterilization responses and simplifies the cleaning process, as there are no heterogeneous materials with varying porosity or surface characteristics that would require different sterilization protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The device design allows for the creation of disposable versions where critical components that are difficult to sterilize are made as single-use elements. This approach eliminates sterilization concerns for those specific components while allowing the main structural components to be reused, balancing cost effectiveness with ease of maintenance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A spinal rod system includes a first instrument extending between a proximal portion and a distal portion along a longitudinal axis thereof. The proximal portion defines an inner cavity extending along the longitudinal axis. The first instrument includes a first arm extending along the longitudinal axis. The first arm defines a portion of a vertebral construct cavity disposed in communication with the inner cavity and includes a distal end being configured to engage a bone fastener. Methods of use are disclosed.