Vertebral Probe with Shelf for Spinal Surgery Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertebral probes used in spinal surgeries lack features that allow precise placement within vertebral bodies, inhibit excessive advancement, and facilitate accurate selection of screw lengths for fixation.
Innovation Solution
The development of vertebral probes with tapering and non-tapering portions, featuring a distal tip with a non-circular cross-section and shelves to control advancement, along with markings for precise positioning and screw selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional pedicle probe is used to prepare for bone screw placement, then the basic probing function is achieved, but the probe cannot provide tactile feedback for precise placement determination and cannot prevent excessive advancement through the vertebral body
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into distinct functional segments: a shaft portion for insertion, a tip portion with specific geometry for cortical wall interaction, and a shelf feature positioned at a predetermined distance from the tip. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function while providing overall precision without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf feature acts as an intermediary element between the surgeon's manipulation and the probe's advancement into the vertebral body. It provides a mechanical stop that prevents excessive penetration while allowing controlled insertion, thereby mediating the interaction between the surgeon and the bone structure.
2Ease of operation
If the probe tip is designed to penetrate the cortical wall easily, then insertion is facilitated, but the probe may advance too far through the vertebral body causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is positioned at a predetermined distance from the tip before insertion begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the tip penetrates the cortical wall, the shelf will automatically engage the inner cortical wall at the correct depth, preventing excessive advancement before the surgeon even completes the insertion motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harm of uncontrolled probe advancement into a benefit by using the shelf's engagement with the inner cortical wall as a positive stopping mechanism. The shelf's interaction with the bone provides tactile feedback to the surgeon while simultaneously limiting penetration depth, turning a safety risk into a safety feature.
3Measurement precision
If the probe provides detailed markings for precise positioning, then screw length selection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates markings with different visual characteristics (such as color variations or pattern differences) that correspond to specific penetration depths. These visual changes allow the surgeon to quickly identify the probe's position relative to the vertebral body boundaries and select the appropriate screw length without complex measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The markings are positioned at specific parameter values (distances) from the tip, corresponding to critical depths such as the outer cortical wall and inner cortical wall engagement points. By changing the positional parameters of the markings rather than creating a continuous scale, the device provides sufficient precision for screw selection while maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Vertebral probes for spinal surgeries and related surgical methods. In some embodiments, the probe may comprise a bicortical, vertebral probe that may comprise a shaft and a distal tip configured to penetrate a vertebral body to facilitate subsequent placement of a bone anchor providing bicortical purchase within the vertebral body. One or more features for facilitating safe placement of the probe may be provided, such as making the tip spring-loaded or otherwise axially movable relative to the shaft, providing sensors, and/or providing means for determining a position of the tip within a vertebral body.