Spinal Rod Reducer with Rotating Shaft and Sliding Button
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of inserting and securing a spinal rod into bone screws during spinal fusion surgery is time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring multiple instruments and adjustments, which complicates the alignment and stabilization of the rod.
Innovation Solution
A rod reducer apparatus with a housing, shaft, anvil, and button that allows for controlled linear movement and adjustment of the spinal rod into the screw housing, featuring a mechanism where the button transitions between engaged and spaced positions to facilitate easy insertion and locking of the rod, with arm members that grasp the bone screw for alignment and securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rod is inserted into each bone screw sequentially using multiple instruments, then the rod can be secured to each vertebral body, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (rod holding, alignment, and insertion) into a single integrated apparatus. The rod reducer apparatus holds the rod, provides alignment features, and facilitates insertion into the bone screw housing all through one device, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and reducing surgical time.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod reducer apparatus serves multiple purposes: it holds the rod during insertion, provides alignment features to ensure proper positioning, and facilitates the reduction process. This multi-functional design replaces several specialized instruments with one universal tool.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple instruments are used to insert and secure the rod, then the rod can be properly aligned and fixed, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment features are integrated directly into the rod reducer apparatus structure. The apparatus includes built-in alignment mechanisms that work in conjunction with the bone screw housing, eliminating the need for separate alignment instruments while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Measurement precision
If the rod is manually inserted and adjusted for each bone screw, then proper positioning can be achieved, but the effort and time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The rod reducer apparatus incorporates a dynamic reduction mechanism that allows controlled movement from an initial position to a reduced position. This dynamic system enables precise rod positioning while reducing the manual effort required compared to static manual insertion methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod reducer apparatus acts as an intermediary tool between the rod and the bone screw housing. It facilitates the reduction process by providing a mechanical advantage and controlled movement, making the positioning process easier and more precise than direct manual insertion.
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 apparatus significantly reduces the effort and time required to insert and secure the spinal rod, allowing for efficient alignment and stabilization with minimal manual effort, thereby streamlining the surgical process.
Implementation Method 1
the rod reducer apparatus further includes a spring element for biasing the button towards the first position
Implementation Method 2
rotation of the shaft with the button in the first position translates into linear movement of the shaft relative to the housing
Data Source
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Figure 4A~4B
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AI summary
A rod reducer apparatus is disclosed and includes a housing, an anvil coupled to a shaft, a plurality of arm members, and a button. The housing has an opening extending therethrough for receiving the shaft. The anvil is coupled to one end of the shaft. The button is slidably disposed in the housing and transitionable between first and second positions. The button is engageable with the shaft such that rotation of the shaft is translated into linear movement of the anvil.