Surgical Guide for Realigning Link Rods in Bone Anchors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The placement of a link rod in a bone anchor element is complicated due to the rod often being offset, making it difficult to accurately position the surgical instrument, especially with mobile anchor element heads and tissues surrounding the incision impeding access.
Innovation Solution
A guiding device with semi-tubular tabs that fit into the longitudinal recess of the bone anchor element, allowing for realignment of the link rod and providing a visual and tactile indication of correct placement, enabling easier insertion and removal of the surgical instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a surgical instrument is used to push a link rod into a bone anchor element, then the link rod can be installed in the anchor element, but accurate positioning is difficult to achieve due to tissue impeding access and mobile anchor element heads
Solution Approach 1:
A guiding device is introduced as an intermediary tool between the surgical instrument and the bone anchor element head. The guiding device includes a guiding rod with semi-tubular tabs that fit into the longitudinal recess of the anchor element head, providing a precise reference for positioning the surgical instrument. This mediator enables accurate positioning despite tissue impeding access and mobile heads, as the guiding device establishes a stable reference framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding device is inserted into the longitudinal recess of the bone anchor element head before the surgical instrument is positioned. This preliminary action establishes the correct positioning reference in advance, allowing the surgical instrument to be accurately aligned with the link rod and anchor element head. The guiding device is removed after the surgical instrument is in place, having fulfilled its preliminary positioning function.
2Manufacturing precision
If complementary instruments are used to place the link rod in the anchor element head, then the offset link rod can be positioned, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding device combines multiple functions into a single integrated tool: it provides positioning reference for the surgical instrument, guides alignment with the link rod, and indicates correct placement through visual and tactile feedback. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate complementary instruments, reducing surgical procedure complexity while maintaining precise link rod positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding device serves multiple purposes: it acts as a positioning guide, an alignment reference, and a placement indicator all in one tool. The semi-tubular tabs provide both structural guidance and tactile feedback, while the guiding rod establishes the longitudinal axis for precise link rod positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of instruments needed and simplifies the surgical workflow.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the anchor element head is mobile, then it can be positioned in various orientations, but it becomes difficult to maintain accurate positioning during the surgical procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding device acts as a stable intermediary reference that remains fixed relative to the bone anchor element head during the procedure. Even though the head can be mobile, the guiding device establishes a consistent reference framework through its semi-tubular tabs engaging with the longitudinal recess, enabling accurate positioning despite head mobility or repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding device is inserted and secured into the longitudinal recess before any positioning adjustments are made to the anchor element head. This preliminary action establishes a stable reference framework in advance, allowing the head to be positioned in various orientations while maintaining accurate positioning reference throughout the surgical procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for guiding a surgical instrument having one end for coupling to the head of a bone anchor element and a longitudinal channel, the head of the bone anchor element having a tapped longitudinal recess intended for receiving a screw cap, said longitudinal recess leading into a transverse channel capable of receiving a link rod, characterized in that said guiding device includes a rod for guiding the surgical instrument, with a longitudinal axis A, having one end comprising two semi-tubular tabs in which the outer section matches the inner section of said longitudinal recess and in which the inner section is at least equal to the diameter of the link rod, the cross-section of the guiding device being always smaller than the section of the longitudinal channel of the surgical instrument in order to allow the insertion and the removal of said device in the distal direction.