Threaded Screw Tower Rod Reduction for Easier Spinal Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fixation systems face challenges with rod reducers that are difficult, tiresome, and time-consuming to use.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a screw tower, an instrument with a driver shaft and threaded sleeve, and a housing with retention members and a threaded button, allowing for efficient and user-friendly rod reduction through longitudinal movement of the driver shaft relative to the screw tower.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional rod reducers are used, then rod reduction can be achieved, but the operation becomes difficult, tiresome, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The driver shaft is nested within the housing, and the threaded sleeve is mounted on the driver shaft. This nested configuration allows compact arrangement of components while maintaining full functionality, enabling efficient rod reduction through longitudinal movement of the driver shaft relative to the screw tower without requiring complex external mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded sleeve is designed to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis, which dynamically converts rotational motion into longitudinal movement of the driver shaft. This dynamic mechanism enables the driver shaft to move longitudinally relative to the screw tower, facilitating rod reduction through a simple rotational action that is both efficient and easy to operate
2Productivity
If traditional rod reducers are used, then rod reduction can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded sleeve converts rotational motion into rapid longitudinal movement of the driver shaft. This dynamic mechanism allows quick adjustment and rod reduction through simple rotation, significantly reducing the time required compared to traditional rod reducers that require multiple steps or complex operations
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded sleeve acts as an intermediary mechanism between the rotational input and the longitudinal movement of the driver shaft. This intermediary converts a simple rotational action into efficient linear motion, enabling rapid rod reduction and minimizing surgical time
3Productivity
If excessive force is applied during rod reduction, then rod reduction can be achieved, but soft tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded sleeve provides a controlled dynamic mechanism that converts rotational motion into gradual longitudinal movement of the driver shaft. This controlled motion allows rod reduction to be achieved through steady, controlled force application rather than excessive force, minimizing damage to surrounding soft tissue while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded mechanism replaces direct manual force application with a mechanical conversion system. Instead of applying extraneous force directly to the rod, the system uses the threaded sleeve to convert rotation into controlled linear motion, reducing the need for excessive force and minimizing soft tissue damage
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
Facilitates quick and robust connection to bone screws, enabling efficient rod reduction with minimal extraneous force, reducing soft tissue damage and improving surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded sleeve is rotatable about a longitudinal axis to urge the driver shaft longitudinally relative to the screw tower
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a screw tower, an instrument, and a housing. The instrument includes a driver shaft extendable longitudinally through the screw tower, and a threaded sleeve mounted on a proximal portion of the driver shaft. The housing includes one or more retention members coupleable to the screw tower, and a threaded button threadably coupleable to the threaded sleeve. The threaded sleeve is rotatable about a longitudinal axis to urge the driver shaft longitudinally relative to the screw tower.