Transverse Coupling for Vertebral Derotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instrumentation for vertebral derotation faces challenges in applying coordinated forces to multiple bone implants, as each extension extends at a unique angle and orientation, making it difficult to apply simultaneous adjustments to multiple levels, often requiring coordinated efforts from multiple surgeons.
Innovation Solution
A transverse coupling system that connects multiple implant extensions, featuring a central housing with pivotable joints and adjustable components, allowing for axial and rotational displacement, and a locking mechanism to secure the extensions, enabling a single force to be applied to multiple bone implants simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate instruments are attached to each extension, then each extension can be adjusted independently, but the device complexity increases and coordination between multiple surgeons becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate adjustment instruments into a single integrated transverse coupler that can simultaneously adjust multiple pedicle screws. The coupler features multiple apertures that receive extensions from different pedicle screws, allowing one instrument to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate instruments and coordinated effort from multiple surgeons.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse coupler is designed as a universal device that can accommodate multiple extensions from different pedicle screws at various levels. The coupler's multi-aperture design and adjustable components enable it to perform multiple adjustment functions simultaneously, making it a multi-functional replacement for several specialized instruments.
2Ease of operation
If extensions are spaced closely together, then fewer extensions are needed, but the spacing limitation makes it difficult to attach separate instruments to each extension
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse coupler merges the function of multiple separate instruments into a single device that can simultaneously engage with multiple closely-spaced extensions. By designing the coupler with multiple apertures positioned to match the spacing of multiple pedicle screw extensions, it eliminates the need for separate instruments for each extension, solving the problem of limited spacing.
3Productivity
If multiple levels are adjusted simultaneously, then derotation efficiency improves, but the difficulty of coordinating forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse coupler combines the adjustment of multiple pedicle screws at different levels into a single coordinated operation. The coupler's design allows simultaneous engagement with extensions from multiple levels, and the single adjustment mechanism provides coordinated control that simplifies what would otherwise be complex multi-level coordination requiring multiple surgeons.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse coupler acts as an intermediary device that mediates between the surgeon's manual adjustment and the multiple pedicle screws at different levels. By providing a single point of control that mechanically connects to multiple extensions, the coupler simplifies the coordination complexity and enables efficient multi-level derotation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A transverse coupling (100; 1000; 1000') for connecting multiple implant extensions includes at least a first sleeve (310; 3100; 3100') and a second sleeve (410; 4100; 4100'). The first sleeve (310; 3100; 3100') defines a first aperture (312) adapted to axially receive a first implant extension (20) through the first aperture (312). The second sleeve (410; 4100; 4100') defines a second aperture (412) adapted to axially receive a second implant extension (20') through the second aperture (412). The transverse coupling (100; 1000; 1000') also includes a central housing. A first shaft (320; 3200; 3200') connects the first sleeve (310; 3100; 3100') to the central housing, and a second shaft (420; 4200; 4200') connects the second sleeve (410; 4100; 4100') to the central housing. The central housing includes at least one joint for connecting the central housing to at least one of the first and second shafts (320, 420; 3200, 4200; 3200'; 4200') in a movable arrangement that allows the shaft(s) to move through one or more degrees of freedom relative to the central housing.