Vertebral Probe Tapering Tip Bicortical Purchase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pedicle probes used in spinal surgeries lack features to determine precise placement within vertebral bodies, inhibit excessive advancement, and select appropriate screw lengths, making them less than ideal for fusionless spinal surgeries like scoliosis procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of vertebral probes with tapering and non-tapering portions, a distal tip with a non-circular cross-section, and distinct markings to facilitate precise placement and bicortical purchase, allowing for tactile feedback and controlled advancement through vertebral bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pedicle probes are used for vertebral body preparation, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the probe cannot provide tactile feedback for precise placement determination and allows uncontrolled advancement
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates a distal tip with a non-circular cross-section that differs from the circular shaft. This localized geometric change provides tactile feedback when the tip engages the cortical bone, allowing the surgeon to determine precise placement without affecting the overall probe structure or advancement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is divided into distinct segments: a circular cross-section shaft for smooth advancement and a non-circular distal tip for tactile feedback. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between ease of advancement and placement precision.
2Force
If the probe tip is made sharp for easy penetration, then insertion force is reduced, but the probe cannot inhibit further advancement through the vertebral body
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip is designed with a non-circular cross-section that creates engagement with the cortical bone. This localized geometric feature provides mechanical inhibition of further advancement while the sharpened portion maintains low insertion force requirements.
3Measurement precision
If the probe provides tactile feedback features for precise placement, then screw length selection is improved, but the probe structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates a distal tip with a non-circular cross-section that provides tactile feedback for precise placement determination. This localized geometric change provides the needed functionality without requiring complex markings, sensors, or additional components along the entire probe length.
Data Source
AI summary
Vertebral probes for fusionless spinal surgeries and related surgical methods. In some embodiments, the probe may comprise a shaft having one or more tapering portions. Some embodiments may further comprise one or more non-tapering portions. The probe may further comprise a distal tip extending from a shelf or ledge that may allow for penetration of the tip therethrough with a first force and be configured to inhibit further advancement of the probe by requiring a second force substantially greater than the first force to achieve further advancement.