Spring-Loaded Awl Integrated in Plate Holder for Spinal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive spinal surgery procedures for securing bone plates to the spine are cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring multiple instruments and steps, which can lead to increased blood loss and reduced retraction time on nerves.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plate holder and an awl that are releasably engaged, allowing for the simultaneous placement of a bone plate and creation of a pilot hole, with a locking mechanism that adjusts between fixed and translatable positions to facilitate these procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate instruments are used for bone plate placement and pilot hole creation, then each function can be performed with dedicated tools, but the surgical procedure duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bone plate placement function and pilot hole creation function into a single integrated instrument. The awl is integrated into the plate holder, allowing both functions to be performed with one tool rather than requiring separate instruments, thereby reducing instrument switching time and overall procedure duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate holder is designed to perform multiple functions: it can securely hold the bone plate for placement and also accommodate the awl for pilot hole creation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated tools for each function, streamlining the surgical workflow.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple instruments are used for sequential steps, then each step can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of instrument switches increases
Solution Approach 1:
The awl and plate holder are merged into a single integrated instrument. The plate holder includes a receptacle that receives the awl, allowing the surgeon to perform both bone plate placement and pilot hole creation without switching instruments, thereby improving ease of operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the awl is fixed relative to the plate holder, then structural stability is improved, but the awl cannot be extended for pilot hole creation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the awl and plate holder is made dynamic rather than fixed. The plate holder includes a receptacle that can accommodate the awl in different positions, allowing the awl to be extended when needed for pilot hole creation while maintaining structural stability when retracted.
4Ease of operation
If the awl tip is always extended, then pilot hole creation is facilitated, but the awl may interfere with bone plate placement
Solution Approach 1:
The awl is designed to be dynamically positionable within the plate holder receptacle. It can be extended when pilot hole creation is needed and retracted when bone plate placement is being performed, eliminating interference while maintaining ease of operation for both functions.
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 system reduces the duration of surgical procedures, minimizes blood loss, and decreases retraction time on nerves by integrating bone plate placement and pilot hole creation into a single, efficient process.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism may include a spring at one end of the pin to keep the locking mechanism in the first setting unless load is applied to displace the locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes a plate holder and an awl. The plate holder has a first end and a second end with an engagement feature at the second end that is engageable with a bone plate. The awl is releasably engaged to the plate holder and includes a locking mechanism adjustable from a first setting to a second setting and a tip. When the locking mechanism is in the first setting, the awl is fixed relative to the plate holder and the tip is disposed within the plate holder. When the locking mechanism is in the second setting, the awl is axially translatable relative to the plate holder such that the tip of the awl extends out of the second end of the plate holder.