Universal Rod Holder for Spinal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack a universal rod holder capable of accommodating various rod diameters and shapes during spinal surgery, which is essential for supporting vertebral bodies with implanted rods.
Innovation Solution
A universal rod holder comprising a drive member and an elongated shaft member with internal and external threads, a hook member, and an anti-torque tool, allowing for secure grasping and manipulation of rods of different sizes and shapes, constructed from biocompatible materials like stainless steel, titanium, and polymers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rod holders are used, then they can hold specific rod sizes, but they cannot accommodate various rod diameters and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The rod holder is designed with a universal gripping mechanism that can accommodate rods of various diameters and shapes through a single device configuration. The shaft member and tip component work together to provide a universal interface that adapts to different rod specifications without requiring multiple specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod holder incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the tip can be rotated and positioned to different orientations relative to the shaft member. This dynamic positioning allows the gripping surface to adapt to different rod shapes and diameters, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal rod holder is designed to accommodate various rod sizes, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod holder is divided into distinct components: a shaft member and a separate tip component that can be attached to the shaft. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The tip can be independently designed to provide universal gripping capability without complicating the shaft structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip component is designed to fit within or attach to the shaft member, creating a nested configuration. This nesting approach allows the universal gripping mechanism to be compact and integrated without adding significant external complexity to the overall device structure.
3Ease of operation
If the drive member is rotated to advance the tip, then rod grasping is achieved, but torque may stress the rod or tool
Solution Approach 1:
The tip component serves as an intermediary between the drive member and the rod. It is designed to engage the rod with minimal torque requirements through its specific geometry and gripping surface. The tip translates rotational motion from the drive member into axial advancement while distributing forces to minimize stress on the rod.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip is designed with specific geometric parameters including angled surfaces and gripping features that reduce the coefficient of friction and torque requirements. By optimizing these geometric parameters, the device can advance the rod with minimal rotational force, reducing the risk of rod damage or tool slippage.
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
Enables secure positioning and manipulation of rods during spinal surgery, accommodating various diameters and shapes, enhancing surgical precision and stability by preventing torque and stress on the rods and surgical tools.
Implementation Method 1
internal threads disposed on an inner surface of the through hole which are configured to engage the external threads. rotation of the drive member relative to the shaft member causes longitudinal movement of the distal portion of the drive member through the through hole
Data Source
AI summary
A universal rod holder including a drive member and an elongated shaft member. The drive member has a proximal portion and a distal portion, and may include a handle disposed on the proximal portion, external threads disposed on the proximal portion of the drive member, and a tip disposed on a distal end of the distal portion of the drive member. The elongated shaft member includes a through hole, the through hole configured to receive the drive member, internal threads disposed on an inner surface of the through hole and configured to engage the external threads, and a hook member disposed on a distal end of the shaft member. The through hole extends into an opening of the hook member. The distal portion of the drive member is configured to slide through the through hole and into the opening of the hook member to secure a rod positioned therein.