Tap Marker for Vertebral Compression and Distraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods of distracting or compressing vertebrae using screws face issues such as damage to the screw/tulip interface, elongation of bone, and disengagement under compressive load, necessitating a more reliable method for positioning bone.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of tap markers, which include a tap with a helical thread and cutting flute for self-drilling into bone, allowing for the creation of threaded openings, and subsequent insertion of bone screws, enabling precise compression or distraction of vertebral bodies with reduced interference and increased stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If polyaxial screws are used for vertebral distraction or compression, then flexibility and space efficiency are improved, but the screw/tulip interface may be damaged under distraction forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the distraction/compression function from the anchoring function. Taps are inserted first to create threaded openings and provide distraction landmarks, then removed and replaced with bone screws for anchoring. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The taps are inserted and positioned before the bone screws are placed. The taps create the threaded openings and establish the distraction mechanism in advance, allowing precise positioning and distraction forces to be applied before final anchoring with the bone screws.
2Adaptability or versatility
If polyaxial screws are used for vertebral distraction or compression, then flexibility is improved, but bone elongation may occur due to over-distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The taps serve as intermediary elements that enable controlled distraction without directly transmitting excessive forces to the bone. They provide a mechanism for precise distraction while the bone screws provide stable anchoring, preventing over-distraction and bone elongation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If polyaxial screws are used for vertebral distraction or compression, then flexibility is improved, but the screws may disengage under compressive load
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the functional requirements into separate components: taps for distraction and bone screws for anchoring and compression. This segmentation allows the bone screws to be specifically designed for compression resistance without the complications of polyaxial mechanisms.
4Manufacturing precision
If taps are used to create threaded openings for bone screws, then positioning precision is improved, but additional surgical steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The taps are inserted and positioned precisely before the bone screws are placed. This preliminary positioning action ensures accurate threaded opening creation and screw placement, improving overall positioning precision despite the additional step.
Solution Approach 2:
The taps act as intermediary tools that facilitate precise screw placement. They create the threaded openings and serve as guides for screw insertion, improving positioning precision while being removed after their function is complete.
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 approach allows for effective compression or distraction of vertebral bodies with reduced risk of screw damage and disengagement, providing greater flexibility and stability during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a tap with a helical thread and cutting flute for self-drilling into bone, allowing for the creation of threaded openings
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for compressing and/or distracting bones are described herein. In one such method, a tap marker is engaged with a bone and a compressor/distractor device. The tap marker can be removed after moving the bone and a bone screw can be inserted into the space previously occupied by the tap marker. A rod or other fixation element can then be attached to the bone screw.