Vertebral Reduction Sleeve for Minimally Invasive Spinal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
During spinal stabilization procedures, the need for additional space at the surgical site for reduction tools can complicate minimally invasive procedures, increasing post-operative pain and recovery time.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve system with internal threads and a closure member is used to securely attach a spinal stabilization rod to a bone fastener assembly, allowing for vertebral reduction without the need for separate reduction tools, by forming a continuous threaded section that enables the rod to be seated in the collar and vertebrae to be aligned, reducing the offset between vertebrae.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional reduction tools are used to press down on the rod and pull up on the collar, then vertebral reduction can be achieved, but additional space at the surgical site is required which complicates minimally invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reduction function with the closure member by integrating threaded portions on both the closure member and the collar. This merging eliminates the need for separate reduction tools, as the closure member itself performs the reduction function when threaded into the collar, thereby simplifying the surgical procedure and reducing space requirements at the surgical site.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member is designed with dual functionality: it serves both as a fastening element to secure the rod to the bone fastener and as a reduction tool through its threaded interaction with the collar. This multi-functionality allows the same component to perform multiple operations, eliminating the need for additional specialized reduction tools and simplifying the surgical approach.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate reduction tools are used to perform vertebral reduction, then the offset between vertebrae can be reduced, but post-operative pain and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the reduction function into the closure member and collar assembly, the patent enables precise vertebral alignment to be achieved through the same components used for stabilization. This integration eliminates the need for aggressive manual manipulation required by separate reduction tools, thereby reducing tissue trauma and subsequent post-operative pain while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member performs the reduction function as part of its own installation process. As the closure member is threaded into the collar, it automatically executes the reduction action through the mechanical interaction of their threaded portions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external reduction tools that cause additional tissue disruption, thereby reducing post-operative complications.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for vertebral reduction using sleeves detachably coupled to collars of bone fasteners. The reduction can be performed during a minimally invasive procedure for implanting spinal stabilization systems. A sleeve can include internal threads that match threads on the respective collar to form a continuous set of threads. Threads on a closure member can be engaged with the threads on the sleeve and the closure member turned to translate the closure member along the sleeve. The closure member can be used to push a rod relative to the collar to which the sleeve is attached to cause a vertebral body to move.