Surgical Instrument Pivot Mechanism for Spinal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical systems for treating spinal disorders face challenges in manipulating spinal implants in tight or overcrowded workspaces, particularly in achieving precise alignment and stabilization of vertebral rods, which can lead to difficulties in correcting deformities and maintaining proper spinal alignment.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a pivot mechanism that allows for medial-lateral rotation and leverage, enabling the manipulation of spinal rods and implants to correct sagittal deformities and rebalance the spine, while also providing tools for compression or distraction to restore curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surgical instruments are used to manipulate spinal implants in tight workspaces, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but precise alignment and stabilization of vertebral rods becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument introduces a pivot mechanism that enables rotation about a pivot axis, adding a rotational dimension to the manipulation of spinal rods. This allows the surgeon to approach the tight workspace from multiple angular perspectives and achieve precise alignment by rotating the instrument and implants into the correct orientation, overcoming the limitations of linear manipulation in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the spinal implants. The instrument's body member with implant cavities and pivot mechanism provides a mediating structure that facilitates controlled manipulation and precise positioning of the spinal rods and vertebral members, enabling accurate alignment that would be difficult to achieve directly in the tight surgical workspace.
2Manufacturing precision
If spinal constructs are manipulated to correct deformities, then proper spinal alignment can be achieved, but the complexity of the surgical procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is designed with multiple functions integrated into a single device: the body member can engage with spinal implants through implant cavities, the pivot mechanism enables rotational manipulation, and the instrument can apply leverage for stabilization. This multi-functionality allows the instrument to perform multiple tasks (positioning, aligning, stabilizing) in one procedure, achieving high spinal alignment accuracy without requiring multiple separate complex devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is divided into functional segments: the body member with implant cavities for engagement, the pivot mechanism for rotation, and the leverage elements for stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall instrument manageability, reducing the complexity burden compared to a monolithic design.
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
This solution enhances the ability to correct spinal deformities by providing precise control and adjustment of spinal constructs, facilitating the treatment of conditions like kyphosis, scoliosis, and other curvature abnormalities, while allowing for use in various surgical approaches and positions.
Implementation Method 1
A surgical instrument with a pivot mechanism that allows for medial-lateral rotation and leverage
Implementation Method 2
providing tools for compression or distraction to restore curvature
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a body member having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion includes a first surface defining a first implant cavity and a second surface defining a second implant cavity. The second surface is engageable with an implant and includes a pivot. In some embodiments, spinal constructs, implants, systems and methods are disclosed.