Stylet Screw Driver Adjustable Protrusion for Spinal Fusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for spinal screw insertion in spinal fusion surgery are time-consuming and expose patients to excessive radiation due to the need for multiple fluoroscopic imaging steps, increasing the risk of complications and long-term health effects.
Innovation Solution
A screw driver/ratcheting handle assembly that houses a stylet pre-assembled to a set length, fixed by a spring-loaded button mechanism, allowing for adjustable stylet protrusion lengths to facilitate efficient and minimally invasive screw insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple fluoroscopic imaging steps are performed during screw insertion, then precise screw placement is achieved, but patient radiation exposure increases and procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stylet is pre-assembled to a set length that corresponds to the screw length, with the distal end extending the precise distance needed beyond the screw tip. This preliminary configuration allows the surgeon to verify screw placement accuracy without requiring multiple fluoroscopic imaging steps, thereby reducing radiation exposure while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet acts as an intermediary element between the screw and the surrounding tissue. By extending beyond the screw tip by a predetermined distance, it provides a visible and tactile reference that mediates the verification of screw placement accuracy, eliminating the need for repeated radiation-based imaging.
2Measurement precision
If multiple fluoroscopic imaging steps are performed during screw insertion, then screw placement accuracy is verified, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stylet is pre-configured with the exact extension distance needed for accurate screw placement verification. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming multiple fluoroscopic imaging steps, as the stylet's extended distal end provides immediate visual and tactile confirmation of correct screw positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet assembly serves itself by providing built-in length reference markings and a predetermined extension distance that automatically indicates correct screw placement. This self-service feature eliminates the need for external imaging verification, significantly reducing procedural time while maintaining accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If stylet length is fixed for each screw size, then precise screw placement is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stylet assembly is segmented into multiple discrete stylets, each pre-configured with a specific length corresponding to different screw sizes. This segmentation allows precise screw placement for each screw type while keeping each individual stylet simple in design. The multiple choice of pre-made stylets avoids the complexity of adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet is merged with the screw driver handle assembly, with the stylet housed within and attached to the handle. This integration allows the stylet to be readily exchanged with the screw being inserted, maintaining precision while simplifying the overall device by combining functions rather than requiring separate independent components.
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
Reduces radiation exposure and procedural time by allowing precise and efficient screw placement with adjustable stylet lengths, enhancing safety and reducing the complexity of the surgical process.
Implementation Method 1
fixed in place by a spring loaded button mechanism located on the proximal end of the ratcheting handle
Data Source
AI summary
A stylet screw driver assembly having a screw driver/ratcheting handle assembly which houses a stylet, pre-assembled to a set length based on the screw length in use, fixed in place by a spring loaded button mechanism located on the proximal end of the ratcheting handle. The spring loaded button mates with the stylet assembly, providing various stylet protrusion lengths.