Surgical Fixing Device for Polyaxial Screw Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments for fixing polyaxial screws in spinal stabilization procedures often result in off-axis insertion and lack of alignment, leading to misalignment and increased surgical time due to manual operation and lack of automatic alignment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a handle, metal shaft, and elastic means that automatically aligns and securely couples a set screw with a polyaxial screw head, allowing one-handed operation and quick, secure insertion, featuring a fork and spring mechanism for precise positioning and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual screwdrivers are used for coupling set screws with polyaxial screw heads, then the surgeon can perform the coupling operation, but off-axis insertion occurs and alignment is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device performs self-alignment through its geometric design. The longitudinal axis of the coupling device automatically aligns with the threaded stem axis when the set screw is inserted, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations by the surgeon. The device structure itself provides the alignment function rather than requiring external control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the manual mechanical screwdriver operation with a dedicated coupling device that has built-in alignment geometry. Instead of relying on the surgeon's manual dexterity to achieve alignment, the device's structural design (longitudinal axis, engagement geometry) mechanically ensures proper alignment during the coupling operation.
2Ease of operation
If manual screwdrivers are used for coupling operations, then the surgeon can perform the task, but surgical time increases due to lack of automatic alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device automatically performs the alignment function through its geometric design. When the set screw is inserted into the coupling device, the longitudinal axis of the device automatically aligns with the threaded stem axis, eliminating the time-consuming manual alignment steps that would otherwise be required by the surgeon.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed with pre-established geometric relationships that ensure alignment before the coupling operation begins. The longitudinal axis and engagement geometry are predetermined to provide automatic alignment, so no time is spent on alignment adjustments during the actual coupling process.
3Device complexity
If set screw insertion is performed without automatic alignment mechanisms, then simple instruments can be used, but misalignment and sticking phenomena occur
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device provides self-alignment through its geometric design, automatically ensuring proper alignment without requiring complex external alignment mechanisms or procedures. The longitudinal axis and engagement geometry work together to guide the set screw into correct position, preventing sticking phenomena.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary between the set screw and the polyaxial screw head. It provides a controlled interface that ensures proper alignment and guides the set screw into the correct position, preventing misalignment and sticking while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 ensures perfect alignment and secure coupling of the set screw with the polyaxial screw head, preventing sticking phenomena and reducing surgical time by facilitating easy and precise positioning, thus enhancing the efficiency of spinal stabilization procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic means (3), entirely fitted on to a part of the end (4.1) of said shaft (4) and engaged to strike a contact area (4.11) with a larger section than the end (4.1), on one of its sides proximal to the handle (6)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
A fixing device (100) for a surgical anchor member (20, 50, 60, 70) comprises a control device (6), connected to a connecting portion (5) in turn connected to a shaft (4) having, at one of its ends (4.1), coupling units (4.14, 4.15) for connecting the fixing device (100) with a fastening element (10) adapted to be coupled in a respective fastening seat (21.1) of a surgical anchor member (20, 50, 60, 70). The device further comprises centring means (1) for coupling the fastening element (1) with the respective fastening seat (21.1, 51.1, 61.1, 71.1) of the surgical anchor member (20, 50, 60, 70).