Spinal Rod Reducer Linkage Mechanism for Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of inserting and securing spinal rods into bone screws during spinal fusion surgery is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and requires significant effort, with challenges in alignment and adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated rod reducer device with a housing, anvil, and biasing element that translates rotational force into linear movement, allowing for controlled reduction and adjustment of spinal rods into bone screws, featuring a linkage system and arm members to facilitate alignment and securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual insertion and securing of spinal rod into bone screws is performed using traditional instruments, then the spinal fusion procedure can be completed, but the process requires significant time, effort, and multiple instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The rod reducer combines multiple functions (rod alignment, rod reduction, and securing) into a single integrated device. The housing with arm members engages the bone screw while the anvil receives and reduces the rod, eliminating the need for separate alignment tools and reduction instruments, thereby reducing surgical time and procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rod reducer acts as an intermediary device between the bone screw and the spinal rod. It provides a controlled interface through which the rod is reduced into the screw housing, making the complex interaction between these components more manageable and efficient during surgery
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional instruments are used for aligning and securing spinal rod, then the procedure can be performed, but alignment adjustment is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The rod reducer incorporates movable arm members that can adjust their position and orientation to accommodate different rod alignments. The linkage mechanism allows dynamic adjustment during the reduction process, enabling clinicians to easily correct alignment issues without requiring complex manual manipulation of multiple instruments
3Reliability
If multiple instruments are used for rod insertion and securing, then the procedure can be completed, but the process becomes complex and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The rod reducer is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: engaging the bone screw via arm members, receiving the spinal rod at the anvil, providing alignment through the housing structure, and securing the rod through the reduction process. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized instruments while maintaining securement reliability
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 device reduces the effort and time required for rod insertion, provides precise alignment, and maintains secure engagement of spinal rods with bone screws, enhancing surgical efficiency and reducing procedural complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing element configured to bias the anvil distally with respect to the body member is disposed between the body member and the anvil
Implementation Method 2
a pin of the linkage is slidably disposed within the slot of the body member... rotation of the shaft translates into linear movement of the shaft relative to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A rod reducer including a housing defining an opening, a body member defining an opening and a slot, a shaft disposed through the opening of the housing and coupled to the opening of the body member, an anvil including a linkage extending therefrom, the linkage coupled to the body member and the anvil, a plurality of arm members, and a biasing element disposed between the body member and the anvil. A pin of the linkage is slidably disposed within the slot, and the biasing element is configured to bias the anvil distally with respect to the body member. Rotation of the shaft translates into linear movement, relative to the housing, of the shaft, the body member, and the anvil. The arm members are coupled to the housing and movable towards a parallel configuration as the anvil is advanced away from the housing to engage a bone screw.