Multi-mode Torque Driver with Guide Wire Passageway for Pedicle Screw Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical methods for inserting and retracting pedicle screws into vertebrae are physically demanding and require high precision to avoid nerve injuries, leading to repetitive motion injuries for surgeons and potential harm to patients.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode torque driver with a passageway for a guide wire, allowing for precise insertion of pedicle screws using both motorized and manual torque modes, providing efficient and stable attachments while minimizing surgical time and risk of injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual screwdrivers are used to ensure precise insertion of pedicle screws, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to physically demanding task and repetitive motion injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical screwdriver system with a motorized torque driver that provides automated torque delivery. The motorized system eliminates the need for surgeons to manually apply high torque, thereby preventing repetitive motion injuries while maintaining precise screw insertion through controlled motorized torque delivery.
2Manufacturing precision
If high torque is manually applied to gain precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to repetitive motion injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized torque driver substitutes manual torque application with automated motorized torque delivery. The system provides precisely controlled torque through a motor, eliminating the need for surgeons to manually apply high torque that causes repetitive motion injuries such as lateral epicondylitis.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized system performs the torque application function automatically without requiring physical effort from the surgeon. The device serves itself by generating and delivering the required torque through its motor, freeing the surgeon from the physically demanding task of manual torque application.
3Ease of operation
If conventional manual methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to extended surgical time
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized torque driver replaces manual screw insertion with automated motorized torque delivery. This substitution maintains ease of operation for the surgeon while dramatically improving productivity by reducing the time required for screw insertion and eliminating repetitive manual motions.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-mode torque drivers employing inner surfaces compatible with pedicle screw guide wires, and related systems and methods are disclosed. A spinal column includes vertebrae in an articulating structure protecting a spinal cord. Medical intervention may involve limiting the relative motion between vertebrae by fusing vertebrae together with mechanical assemblies, including pedicle screws attached to the vertebrae. A multi-mode torque driver may be used to form the pedicle screw attachments with vertebrae. By including a passageway for a guide wire along an output rotational axis of a pedicle screw torque driver, pedicle screws may be inserted into a vertebra along a desired trajectory previously defined using the guide wire. In this manner, pedicle screws may be inserted into vertebrae precisely and efficiently.