US20110288597A1 - Radiolucent Screwdriver for Orthopedic Surgery - Google Patents
Radiolucent Screwdriver for Orthopedic Surgery Download PDFInfo
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- US20110288597A1 US20110288597A1 US13/157,298 US201113157298A US2011288597A1 US 20110288597 A1 US20110288597 A1 US 20110288597A1 US 201113157298 A US201113157298 A US 201113157298A US 2011288597 A1 US2011288597 A1 US 2011288597A1
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- Prior art keywords
- implant
- inserter
- radiolucent
- tip portion
- surgical
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- 230000000399 orthopedic effect Effects 0.000 title description 5
- 239000007943 implant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 82
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
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- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000004917 carbon fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 7
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- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 description 9
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- 210000000988 bone and bone Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 3
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- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 description 3
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/56—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
- A61B17/58—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws, setting implements or the like
- A61B17/88—Osteosynthesis instruments; Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal or external fixation devices
- A61B17/8875—Screwdrivers, spanners or wrenches
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/56—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
- A61B17/58—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws, setting implements or the like
- A61B17/88—Osteosynthesis instruments; Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal or external fixation devices
- A61B17/8872—Instruments for putting said fixation devices against or away from the bone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00831—Material properties
- A61B2017/00902—Material properties transparent or translucent
Definitions
- the embodiments herein generally relate to medical devices, and, more particularly, to screwdrivers used during orthopedic surgeries.
- a surgeon will usually utilize an X-ray device to determine the location and/or direction of insertion of an implant such as a screw or a nail into bone. Without the guidance of the X-ray imaging machines, this can be a dangerous endeavor due to the lack of direct sight, and abnormal anatomy where all or some of the anatomical norms are not applicable.
- the most common surgical imaging machine in use today is an X-ray emitting device sometimes referred to as a C-arm.
- X-rays are similar to light in that they comprise electromagnetic waves, but they are more energetic so they can penetrate many materials to varying degrees. When the X-rays hit an imaging film, they expose the film just as light would. Since bone, fat, muscle, tumors, and other masses all absorb X-rays at different levels, the image on the film lets one see different (distinct) structures inside the body because of the different levels of exposure on the film. Implants made of metallic materials can then appear clearly during and after insertion.
- an embodiment provides a method of performing a surgical procedure, the method comprising providing an implant inserter comprising radiolucent materials; engaging a surgical implant with the radiolucent implant inserter; inserting the surgical implant in a body with the radiolucent implant inserter; and taking X-ray photography of the surgical implant with the radiolucent implant inserter operatively connected thereto, wherein the radiolucent implant inserter is at least partially within the body during the taking of the X-ray photography.
- the implant inserter may comprise a body portion comprising the radiolucent materials; and a tip portion operatively connected to the tip portion.
- the tip portion may comprise radiolucent materials.
- the tip portion may comprise steel.
- the radiolucent materials may comprise any of plastic carbon fibers, and thin aluminum.
- the implant inserter may comprise a torque capacity of at least 6 Nm.
- the implant inserter may comprise a screwdriver.
- the method may further comprise disposing the implant inserter after use.
- the surgical implant may comprise a screw.
- the surgical implant
- Another embodiment provides a method comprising providing a medical implant inserter device comprising radiolucent materials; engaging a medical implant with the inserter device; inserting the medical implant in an anatomical body with the inserter device; and taking an X-ray of the medical implant with the inserter device connected thereto, wherein at least a portion of the inserter device is within the anatomical body during the taking of the X-ray.
- the inserter device may comprise a body portion comprising the radiolucent materials; and a tip portion operatively connected to the tip portion.
- the tip portion may comprise radiolucent materials.
- the tip portion may comprise steel.
- the radiolucent materials may comprise any of plastic carbon fibers, and thin aluminum.
- the inserter device may comprise a torque capacity of at least 6 Nm.
- the inserter device may comprise a screwdriver.
- the method may further comprise disposing the inserter device after use.
- the medical implant may comprise a screw.
- the medical implant may comprise a nail.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a radiolucent inserter according to a first embodiment herein;
- FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a radiolucent inserter according to a second embodiment herein;
- FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a radiolucent inserter according to a third embodiment herein;
- FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a preferred method according to an embodiment herein;
- FIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) illustrate various views of an attachment mechanism according to the embodiments herein;
- FIGS. 6(A) through 6(C) illustrate various views of the first arm of the attachment mechanism of FIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) according to the embodiments herein;
- FIGS. 7(A) through 7(C) illustrate various views of the second arm of the attachment mechanism of FIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) according to the embodiments herein;
- FIGS. 8(A) through 8(C) illustrate various views of the locking sleeve of the attachment mechanism of FIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) according to the embodiments herein;
- FIG. 9 illustrates the torsion spring of the attachment mechanism of FIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) according to the embodiments herein;
- FIG. 10 illustrates the retaining clip of the attachment mechanism of FIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) according to the embodiments herein.
- FIGS. 1 through 10 where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a radiolucent implant inserter 10 used to insert an orthopedic implant (not shown).
- the inserter 10 may be configured similar to the screwdriver described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/063,452, filed on Feb. 23, 2005, the complete disclosure of which in its entirety is herein incorporated by reference.
- the body portion 13 and tip portion 14 of the inserter 10 is made exclusively of radiolucent materials that do not block or interfere with intermittent or constant X-ray monitoring therefore eliminating the need to (a) disengage the inserter 10 from the implant to determine the direction/location of the implant, and (b) re-engage the inserter 10 to the implant to continue insertion.
- the inserter 10 is applied during surgery to allow a surgeon to utilize constant or occasional X-ray imaging while implanting implants with the inserter 10 attached to the implant. Again, because the inserter 10 is exclusively made of materials that are completely or mostly radiolucent, the inserter 10 allows the operator to visualize the implant and the surrounding hard and soft tissues so as to avoid critical anatomy without the need to disengage and reengage the inserter 10 from the implant.
- the inserter 10 comprises high strength plastics such as PEEKTM (Polyetheretherketon) plastic available from Whitford Worldwide Company, Delaware, USA; carbon fiber; or thin aluminum. Tables I and II list some material properties of these types of materials.
- the inserter 10 is adapted to firmly hold a spinal/orthopedic implant (not shown) such as a screw or a nail and to drive it accurately through bone under constant or occasional X-ray imaging.
- a spinal/orthopedic implant such as a screw or a nail
- the geometry and mechanical function of the inserter 10 is dependent and may be customized to mate with the various implant geometries to achieve the above task.
- the inserter 10 may be adapted for a one time use (disposable) due to the toll of repeated hospital autoclaving (for sterilization) that may deteriorate most plastics. If the inserter 10 is made of carbon fibers and thin aluminum, then the inserter 10 may undergo many sterilization cycles without any or significant structural degradation, and still allow for good X-ray imaging, thereby allowing the inserter 10 to be reused.
- the inserter 15 may comprise a body portion 16 that operatively connects to a screwdriver handle 17 .
- the screwdriver handle 17 may comprise any suitable configuration including the one illustrated in FIG. 2 or another configuration, such as the screwdriver handle described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/076,670, filed on Mar. 10, 2005, the complete disclosure of which in its entirety is herein incorporated by reference.
- the inserter 20 may comprise a body portion 23 comprising predominantly radiolucent material and a small driving tip 25 comprising hard steel, wherein the tip 25 is dimensioned and configured of such a small mass and profile that it will not interfere with the desired imaging capability during surgery.
- FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of performing a surgical procedure according to an embodiment herein, wherein the method comprises providing ( 101 ) an implant inserter 10 , 15 , 20 comprising radiolucent materials; engaging ( 103 ) a surgical implant (not shown) with the radiolucent implant inserter 10 , 15 , 20 ; inserting ( 105 ) the surgical implant in a body (not shown) (such as a human spine) with the radiolucent implant inserter 10 , 15 , 20 ; and taking ( 107 ) X-ray photography of the surgical implant with the radiolucent implant inserter 10 , 15 , 20 operatively connected thereto, wherein the radiolucent implant inserter 10 , 15 , 20 is at least partially within the body during the taking of the X-ray photography.
- the implant inserter 10 , 15 , 20 comprises a body portion 13 , 16 , 23 comprising the radiolucent materials; and a tip portion 14 , 25 operatively connected to the tip portion.
- the tip portion 14 comprises radiolucent materials.
- the tip portion 25 comprises steel.
- the radiolucent materials comprise any of plastic carbon fibers, and thin aluminum.
- the implant inserter 10 , 15 , 20 preferably comprises a torque capacity of at least 6 Nm.
- the implant inserter 10 , 15 , 20 may comprise a screwdriver. Additionally, the method may further comprise disposing the implant inserter 10 , 15 , 20 after use.
- FIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) illustrate an attachment mechanism 109 according one embodiment herein.
- the attachment mechanism 109 generally comprises a first arm 160 , a second arm 170 , and a locking sleeve 111 .
- the attachment mechanism 109 is adapted to attach to a handle (such as the screwdriver handle described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/076,670, filed on Mar. 10, 2005, the complete disclosure of which in its entirety is herein incorporated by reference), but can be removed if necessary.
- the first arm 160 of the attachment mechanism 109 of FIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) is further depicted in FIGS. 6(A) through 6(C) (with reference to FIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) ).
- the first arm 160 generally comprises a shaft portion 161 having a tapered end 162 and a prong end 165 opposite to the tapered end 162 .
- a hexagonally-shaped linking portion 197 joins the shaft portion 161 to the prong end 165 .
- a lateral slot 183 a and a circular slot 183 c which connect to one another, are configured in the linking portion 197 and in the shaft portion 161 located near the linking portion 197 .
- the shaft portion 161 further includes a generally curved outer wall surface 169 and a generally flat inner wall surface 185 .
- the linking portion 197 also includes a hole 164 configured through the entire thickness of the linking portion 197 .
- the hole 164 has threads (not shown) circumferentially configured around the outer periphery of the hole 164 .
- a generally flat alignment portion 168 is configured between the prong end 165 and the linking portion 197 .
- the prong end 165 further includes a prong tip 166 configured at the free end of the prong end 165 , an indent portion 167 configured between the prong tip 166 and the alignment portion 168 , and a driving wall 101 configured at the edge of the alignment portion 168 .
- the second arm 170 of the attachment mechanism 109 of FIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) is further depicted in FIGS. 7(A) through 7(C) (with reference to FIGS. 5(A) through 6(C) ).
- the second arm 170 generally comprises a shaft portion 171 having a prong end 175 .
- a hexagonally-shaped linking portion 198 joins the shaft portion 171 to the prong end 175 .
- a lateral slot 183 b and a circular slot 183 d which connect to one another, are configured in the linking portion 198 and in the shaft portion 171 located near the linking portion 198 .
- the shaft portion 171 further includes a generally curved outer wall surface 173 and a generally flat inner wall surface 186 .
- a hole 184 is configured through the entire thickness of the linking portion 198 and dimensioned similarly to the hole 164 of the linking portion 197 of the first arm 160 .
- the hole 184 has threads (not shown) circumferentially configured around the outer periphery of the hole 184 .
- a generally flat alignment portion 178 is configured between the prong end 175 and the linking portion 198 .
- the prong end 175 further includes a prong tip 176 configured at the free end of the prong end 175 , an indent portion 177 configured between the prong tip 176 and the alignment portion 178 , and a driving wall 102 configured at the edge of the alignment portion 168 .
- the shaft portion 171 is adjacent to a tapered section 172 , which has a thickness similar to the thickness of the shaft portion 171 .
- Adjacent to the tapered section 172 is a fully cylindrical first handle attachment shaft 179 , which connects to a smaller tapered section 182 , which then connects to a second handle attachment shaft 180 , which has a hole 181 disposed through an entire thickness therein.
- the second handle attachment shaft 180 is dimensioned slightly smaller than the first handle attachment shaft 181 and is also in a cylindrical configuration.
- a tip 187 which is diametrically dimensioned similarly to the second handle attachment shaft 180 , is configured next to the second handle attachment shaft 180 and is positioned at an opposite end to the prong end 175 of the second arm 170 .
- the locking sleeve 111 of FIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) is further shown in FIGS. 8(A) through 8(C) .
- the locking sleeve 111 comprises a tubular structure 151 having a plurality of spaced apart circular flanges 157 configured around the tubular structure 151 .
- the tubular structure 151 has a hollow inner portion 155 and has a cylindrical portion 153 having a generally cylindrical inner surface 154 .
- the tubular structure 151 has a tapered end 158 having a generally tapered inner surface 152 .
- the torsion spring 132 of FIG. 5(D) is shown with more particularity in FIG. 9 .
- the torsion spring 132 comprises a coiled central portion 135 and a pair of elongated ends 137 , 138 distally located from the coiled central portion 135 .
- the retaining clip 195 of FIGS. 5(B) and 5(C) is further shown in FIG. 10 .
- the retaining clip 195 may be formed in any appropriate configuration.
- the retaining clip 195 may be formed in a generally circular ring-like configuration comprising a ring-like body portion 196 terminating in a pair of end portions 197 , wherein the end portions 197 each comprise a hole 198 .
- the end portions 197 are separate from one another.
- the inserter 10 , 15 , 20 is capable of providing the torque required for inserting a screw, which is approximately 5-6 Nm.
Abstract
A method of performing a surgical procedure includes providing an implant inserter comprising radiolucent materials; engaging a surgical implant with the radiolucent implant inserter; inserting the surgical implant in a body with the radiolucent implant inserter; and taking X-ray photography of the surgical implant with the radiolucent implant inserter operatively connected thereto, wherein the radiolucent implant inserter is at least partially within the body during the taking of the X-ray photography. The implant inserter may comprise a body portion comprising the radiolucent materials; and a tip portion operatively connected to the tip portion. The tip portion may comprise radiolucent materials. The tip portion may comprise steel. The radiolucent materials may comprise any of plastic carbon fibers, and thin aluminum. The implant inserter may comprise a torque capacity of at least 6 Nm. The implant inserter may comprise a screwdriver. The method may further comprise disposing the implant inserter after use.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/753,632 filed on May 25, 2007, the contents of which, in its entirety, is herein incorporated by reference.
- 1. Technical Field
- The embodiments herein generally relate to medical devices, and, more particularly, to screwdrivers used during orthopedic surgeries.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- During minimally invasive surgery, scoliosis surgery, or deformity surgery, a surgeon will usually utilize an X-ray device to determine the location and/or direction of insertion of an implant such as a screw or a nail into bone. Without the guidance of the X-ray imaging machines, this can be a dangerous endeavor due to the lack of direct sight, and abnormal anatomy where all or some of the anatomical norms are not applicable. The most common surgical imaging machine in use today is an X-ray emitting device sometimes referred to as a C-arm.
- X-rays are similar to light in that they comprise electromagnetic waves, but they are more energetic so they can penetrate many materials to varying degrees. When the X-rays hit an imaging film, they expose the film just as light would. Since bone, fat, muscle, tumors, and other masses all absorb X-rays at different levels, the image on the film lets one see different (distinct) structures inside the body because of the different levels of exposure on the film. Implants made of metallic materials can then appear clearly during and after insertion.
- Currently, all implant inserters are also made of metallic components that block the X-rays from showing the direction and location of the implants during implantation. Some surgeons resort to removing the standard metallic inserters prematurely to allow for imaging and then trying to reconnect in the surgical field. This process can be a time consuming and frustrating activity for the surgeon. Accordingly, there remains a need for a new tool to allow surgeons to clearly view implant devices during surgical procedures without having to remove the inserter prior to the end of the surgical procedure.
- In view of the foregoing, an embodiment provides a method of performing a surgical procedure, the method comprising providing an implant inserter comprising radiolucent materials; engaging a surgical implant with the radiolucent implant inserter; inserting the surgical implant in a body with the radiolucent implant inserter; and taking X-ray photography of the surgical implant with the radiolucent implant inserter operatively connected thereto, wherein the radiolucent implant inserter is at least partially within the body during the taking of the X-ray photography. The implant inserter may comprise a body portion comprising the radiolucent materials; and a tip portion operatively connected to the tip portion. The tip portion may comprise radiolucent materials. The tip portion may comprise steel. The radiolucent materials may comprise any of plastic carbon fibers, and thin aluminum. The implant inserter may comprise a torque capacity of at least 6 Nm. The implant inserter may comprise a screwdriver. The method may further comprise disposing the implant inserter after use. The surgical implant may comprise a screw. The surgical implant may comprise a nail.
- Another embodiment provides a method comprising providing a medical implant inserter device comprising radiolucent materials; engaging a medical implant with the inserter device; inserting the medical implant in an anatomical body with the inserter device; and taking an X-ray of the medical implant with the inserter device connected thereto, wherein at least a portion of the inserter device is within the anatomical body during the taking of the X-ray. The inserter device may comprise a body portion comprising the radiolucent materials; and a tip portion operatively connected to the tip portion. The tip portion may comprise radiolucent materials. The tip portion may comprise steel. The radiolucent materials may comprise any of plastic carbon fibers, and thin aluminum. The inserter device may comprise a torque capacity of at least 6 Nm. The inserter device may comprise a screwdriver. The method may further comprise disposing the inserter device after use. The medical implant may comprise a screw. The medical implant may comprise a nail.
- These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
- The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a radiolucent inserter according to a first embodiment herein; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a radiolucent inserter according to a second embodiment herein; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a radiolucent inserter according to a third embodiment herein; -
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a preferred method according to an embodiment herein; -
FIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) illustrate various views of an attachment mechanism according to the embodiments herein; -
FIGS. 6(A) through 6(C) illustrate various views of the first arm of the attachment mechanism ofFIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) according to the embodiments herein; -
FIGS. 7(A) through 7(C) illustrate various views of the second arm of the attachment mechanism ofFIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) according to the embodiments herein; -
FIGS. 8(A) through 8(C) illustrate various views of the locking sleeve of the attachment mechanism ofFIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) according to the embodiments herein; -
FIG. 9 illustrates the torsion spring of the attachment mechanism ofFIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) according to the embodiments herein; and -
FIG. 10 illustrates the retaining clip of the attachment mechanism ofFIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) according to the embodiments herein. - The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
- As mentioned, there remains a need for a new tool to allow surgeons to clearly view implant devices during surgical procedures without having to remove the inserter prior to the end of the surgical procedure. The embodiments herein achieve this by providing a radiolucent screwdriver that has a minimal or non existent X-ray footprint while driving the orthopedic implant such as a screw or a nail to its destination under imaging thereby helping the surgeon avoid critical anatomy such as blood vessels and nerve tissue and saving valuable operating room time. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
FIGS. 1 through 10 , where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments. -
FIG. 1 illustrates aradiolucent implant inserter 10 used to insert an orthopedic implant (not shown). Theinserter 10 may be configured similar to the screwdriver described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/063,452, filed on Feb. 23, 2005, the complete disclosure of which in its entirety is herein incorporated by reference. Thebody portion 13 andtip portion 14 of theinserter 10 is made exclusively of radiolucent materials that do not block or interfere with intermittent or constant X-ray monitoring therefore eliminating the need to (a) disengage theinserter 10 from the implant to determine the direction/location of the implant, and (b) re-engage theinserter 10 to the implant to continue insertion. - The
inserter 10 is applied during surgery to allow a surgeon to utilize constant or occasional X-ray imaging while implanting implants with theinserter 10 attached to the implant. Again, because theinserter 10 is exclusively made of materials that are completely or mostly radiolucent, theinserter 10 allows the operator to visualize the implant and the surrounding hard and soft tissues so as to avoid critical anatomy without the need to disengage and reengage theinserter 10 from the implant. - In a preferred embodiment, the
inserter 10 comprises high strength plastics such as PEEK™ (Polyetheretherketon) plastic available from Whitford Worldwide Company, Delaware, USA; carbon fiber; or thin aluminum. Tables I and II list some material properties of these types of materials. -
TABLE I Material properties of unidirectional carbon fiber and PEEK ™ plastic composite Parallel Perpendicular Property to Fiber to Fiber Tensile strength (ksi) 300 12.5 Tensile modulus (msi) 20 1.5 Flexural strength (ksi) 290 20 Flexural modulus (msi) 18.1 1.3 Coefficient of thermal 0.15 × 10−6 17 × 10−6 expansion (in./in./° F.) -
TABLE II Material properties of PEEK ™ plastic composite and aluminum Bidirectional Carbon Fiber/PEEK ™ Aluminum Property (0°/90° direction) (2024-T3) Density (lb/in.) 0.056 0.100 Flexural strength (ksi) 1.37 67 Flexural modulus (msi) 7.7 10.5 Specific strength 2,446 670 (strength/density) Specific modulus 137.5 105 (modulus/density) Thermal expansion, 70-300° F. 1.6 × 10−6 14 × 10−6 (in./in./° F.) Melting point (° F.) 640 936 - Moreover, the
inserter 10 is adapted to firmly hold a spinal/orthopedic implant (not shown) such as a screw or a nail and to drive it accurately through bone under constant or occasional X-ray imaging. The geometry and mechanical function of theinserter 10 is dependent and may be customized to mate with the various implant geometries to achieve the above task. - If made of plastics, the
inserter 10 may be adapted for a one time use (disposable) due to the toll of repeated hospital autoclaving (for sterilization) that may deteriorate most plastics. If theinserter 10 is made of carbon fibers and thin aluminum, then theinserter 10 may undergo many sterilization cycles without any or significant structural degradation, and still allow for good X-ray imaging, thereby allowing theinserter 10 to be reused. - In an alternate embodiment, shown in
FIG. 2 , theinserter 15 may comprise abody portion 16 that operatively connects to ascrewdriver handle 17. The screwdriver handle 17 may comprise any suitable configuration including the one illustrated inFIG. 2 or another configuration, such as the screwdriver handle described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/076,670, filed on Mar. 10, 2005, the complete disclosure of which in its entirety is herein incorporated by reference. - In another alternate embodiment, shown in
FIG. 3 , theinserter 20 may comprise abody portion 23 comprising predominantly radiolucent material and asmall driving tip 25 comprising hard steel, wherein thetip 25 is dimensioned and configured of such a small mass and profile that it will not interfere with the desired imaging capability during surgery. -
FIG. 4 , with reference toFIGS. 1 through 3 , is a flow diagram illustrating a method of performing a surgical procedure according to an embodiment herein, wherein the method comprises providing (101) animplant inserter radiolucent implant inserter radiolucent implant inserter radiolucent implant inserter radiolucent implant inserter implant inserter body portion tip portion tip portion 14 comprises radiolucent materials. In another embodiment thetip portion 25 comprises steel. Preferably, the radiolucent materials comprise any of plastic carbon fibers, and thin aluminum. Furthermore, theimplant inserter implant inserter implant inserter -
FIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) illustrate anattachment mechanism 109 according one embodiment herein. Generally, theattachment mechanism 109 generally comprises afirst arm 160, asecond arm 170, and a lockingsleeve 111. According to one embodiment herein, theattachment mechanism 109 is adapted to attach to a handle (such as the screwdriver handle described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/076,670, filed on Mar. 10, 2005, the complete disclosure of which in its entirety is herein incorporated by reference), but can be removed if necessary. - The
first arm 160 of theattachment mechanism 109 ofFIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) is further depicted inFIGS. 6(A) through 6(C) (with reference toFIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) ). Thefirst arm 160 generally comprises ashaft portion 161 having atapered end 162 and aprong end 165 opposite to thetapered end 162. Preferably, a hexagonally-shapedlinking portion 197 joins theshaft portion 161 to theprong end 165. Alateral slot 183 a and acircular slot 183 c, which connect to one another, are configured in the linkingportion 197 and in theshaft portion 161 located near the linkingportion 197. Moreover, theshaft portion 161 further includes a generally curvedouter wall surface 169 and a generally flatinner wall surface 185. The linkingportion 197 also includes ahole 164 configured through the entire thickness of the linkingportion 197. Preferably, thehole 164 has threads (not shown) circumferentially configured around the outer periphery of thehole 164. Furthermore, a generallyflat alignment portion 168 is configured between theprong end 165 and the linkingportion 197. Theprong end 165 further includes aprong tip 166 configured at the free end of theprong end 165, anindent portion 167 configured between theprong tip 166 and thealignment portion 168, and a drivingwall 101 configured at the edge of thealignment portion 168. - The
second arm 170 of theattachment mechanism 109 ofFIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) is further depicted inFIGS. 7(A) through 7(C) (with reference toFIGS. 5(A) through 6(C) ). Thesecond arm 170 generally comprises ashaft portion 171 having aprong end 175. Preferably, a hexagonally-shapedlinking portion 198 joins theshaft portion 171 to theprong end 175. Alateral slot 183 b and acircular slot 183 d, which connect to one another, are configured in the linkingportion 198 and in theshaft portion 171 located near the linkingportion 198. Moreover, theshaft portion 171 further includes a generally curvedouter wall surface 173 and a generally flatinner wall surface 186. Additionally, ahole 184 is configured through the entire thickness of the linkingportion 198 and dimensioned similarly to thehole 164 of the linkingportion 197 of thefirst arm 160. Preferably, thehole 184 has threads (not shown) circumferentially configured around the outer periphery of thehole 184. Furthermore, a generallyflat alignment portion 178 is configured between theprong end 175 and the linkingportion 198. Theprong end 175 further includes aprong tip 176 configured at the free end of theprong end 175, anindent portion 177 configured between theprong tip 176 and thealignment portion 178, and a drivingwall 102 configured at the edge of thealignment portion 168. - The
shaft portion 171 is adjacent to atapered section 172, which has a thickness similar to the thickness of theshaft portion 171. Adjacent to the taperedsection 172 is a fully cylindrical firsthandle attachment shaft 179, which connects to a smallertapered section 182, which then connects to a secondhandle attachment shaft 180, which has ahole 181 disposed through an entire thickness therein. Preferably, the secondhandle attachment shaft 180 is dimensioned slightly smaller than the firsthandle attachment shaft 181 and is also in a cylindrical configuration. Atip 187, which is diametrically dimensioned similarly to the secondhandle attachment shaft 180, is configured next to the secondhandle attachment shaft 180 and is positioned at an opposite end to theprong end 175 of thesecond arm 170. - The locking
sleeve 111 ofFIGS. 5(A) through 5(D) is further shown inFIGS. 8(A) through 8(C) . Generally, the lockingsleeve 111 comprises atubular structure 151 having a plurality of spaced apartcircular flanges 157 configured around thetubular structure 151. Thetubular structure 151 has a hollowinner portion 155 and has acylindrical portion 153 having a generally cylindricalinner surface 154. Additionally, thetubular structure 151 has atapered end 158 having a generally taperedinner surface 152. Thetorsion spring 132 ofFIG. 5(D) is shown with more particularity inFIG. 9 . Thetorsion spring 132 comprises a coiledcentral portion 135 and a pair of elongated ends 137, 138 distally located from the coiledcentral portion 135. The retainingclip 195 ofFIGS. 5(B) and 5(C) is further shown inFIG. 10 . The retainingclip 195 may be formed in any appropriate configuration. For example, the retainingclip 195 may be formed in a generally circular ring-like configuration comprising a ring-like body portion 196 terminating in a pair ofend portions 197, wherein theend portions 197 each comprise ahole 198. As shown in the example inFIG. 10 , theend portions 197 are separate from one another. - Most medical device manufacturers prefer using purely metal or mostly metal in tools they manufacture for surgeons. The predominant reason behind this motive is the durability of metal products and tools especially in repetitive use environments such as a hospital setting whereby tools undergo extensive sterilization processes and are handled, in some cases, on a daily basis. Therefore, prior to the development of the
inserter inserter inserter - The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A method of performing a surgical procedure, said method comprising:
providing an implant inserter comprising radiolucent materials;
engaging a surgical implant with the radiolucent implant inserter;
inserting said surgical implant in a body with said radiolucent implant inserter; and
taking X-ray photography of said surgical implant with said radiolucent implant inserter operatively connected thereto,
wherein said radiolucent implant inserter is at least partially within said body during the taking of said X-ray photography.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said implant inserter comprises:
a body portion comprising said radiolucent materials; and
a tip portion operatively connected to said body portion.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein said tip portion comprises radiolucent materials.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein said tip portion comprises steel.
5. The method of claim 3 , wherein said radiolucent materials comprise any of plastic carbon fibers, and thin aluminum.
6. The method of claim 2 , wherein said implant inserter comprises a torque capacity of at least 6 Nm.
7. The method of claim 2 , wherein said implant inserter comprises a screwdriver.
8. The method of claim 2 , further comprising disposing said implant inserter after use.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein said surgical implant comprises a screw.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein said surgical implant comprises a nail.
11. A method comprising:
providing a medical implant inserter device comprising radiolucent materials;
engaging a medical implant with the inserter device;
inserting said medical implant in an anatomical body with said inserter device; and
taking an X-ray of said medical implant with said inserter device connected thereto,
wherein at least a portion of said inserter device is within said anatomical body during the taking of said X-ray.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein said inserter device comprises:
a body portion comprising said radiolucent materials; and
a tip portion operatively connected to said body portion.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein said tip portion comprises radiolucent materials.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein said tip portion comprises steel.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein said radiolucent materials comprise any of plastic carbon fibers, and thin aluminum.
16. The method of claim 12 , wherein said inserter device comprises a torque capacity of at least 6 Nm.
17. The method of claim 12 , wherein said inserter device comprises a screwdriver.
18. The method of claim 12 , further comprising disposing said inserter device after use.
19. The method of claim 11 , wherein said medical implant comprises a screw.
20. The method of claim 11 , wherein said medical implant comprises a nail.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/157,298 US20110288597A1 (en) | 2007-05-25 | 2011-06-09 | Radiolucent Screwdriver for Orthopedic Surgery |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/753,632 US7981116B2 (en) | 2007-05-25 | 2007-05-25 | Radiolucent screwdriver for orthopedic surgery |
US13/157,298 US20110288597A1 (en) | 2007-05-25 | 2011-06-09 | Radiolucent Screwdriver for Orthopedic Surgery |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/753,632 Division US7981116B2 (en) | 2007-05-25 | 2007-05-25 | Radiolucent screwdriver for orthopedic surgery |
Publications (1)
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US20110288597A1 true US20110288597A1 (en) | 2011-11-24 |
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US11/753,632 Expired - Fee Related US7981116B2 (en) | 2007-05-25 | 2007-05-25 | Radiolucent screwdriver for orthopedic surgery |
US13/157,298 Abandoned US20110288597A1 (en) | 2007-05-25 | 2011-06-09 | Radiolucent Screwdriver for Orthopedic Surgery |
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US11/753,632 Expired - Fee Related US7981116B2 (en) | 2007-05-25 | 2007-05-25 | Radiolucent screwdriver for orthopedic surgery |
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Families Citing this family (5)
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FR2908978B1 (en) | 2006-11-28 | 2012-08-03 | Spineart Sa | PROSTHESES HOLDER AND THEIR APPLICATIONS. |
US9301853B2 (en) | 2010-04-09 | 2016-04-05 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Holder for implantation and extraction of prosthesis |
US9254161B2 (en) | 2013-06-10 | 2016-02-09 | Keith A. Easter | Radiolucent handle system |
US9498351B2 (en) * | 2014-06-04 | 2016-11-22 | Spine Wave, Inc. | Apparatus for locating the position of a spinal implant during surgery |
US10314618B2 (en) * | 2014-07-25 | 2019-06-11 | The General Hospital Corporation | System and method for an external hip fixator |
Family Cites Families (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2248054A (en) * | 1939-06-07 | 1941-07-08 | Becker Joseph | Screw driver |
US2678578A (en) * | 1951-08-30 | 1954-05-18 | Joseph L Bonanno | Magnetizable hand tool |
FR2278785A1 (en) * | 1974-01-07 | 1976-02-13 | Pechiney Aluminium | PROCESS FOR REINFORCING THE MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HEAT-TREATED ALUMINUM ALLOYS AND PRODUCTS THUS OBTAINED |
US5059193A (en) * | 1989-11-20 | 1991-10-22 | Spine-Tech, Inc. | Expandable spinal implant and surgical method |
US5236431A (en) * | 1991-07-22 | 1993-08-17 | Synthes | Resorbable fixation device with controlled stiffness for treating bodily material in vivo and introducer therefor |
US5946988A (en) * | 1992-02-27 | 1999-09-07 | Howmedica Gmbh | Tool for driving pedicle screws |
US5980455A (en) * | 1993-02-22 | 1999-11-09 | Heartport, Inc. | Method for manipulating a tissue structure within a thoracic cavity |
US5571103A (en) * | 1994-10-18 | 1996-11-05 | Bailey; Kirk J. | Method for the fixation of bone |
IT1289103B1 (en) * | 1996-05-15 | 1998-09-25 | Orthofix Srl | COMPACT EXTERNAL FIXER |
US6436100B1 (en) * | 1998-08-07 | 2002-08-20 | J. Lee Berger | Cannulated internally threaded bone screw and reduction driver device |
US6358152B2 (en) * | 1999-12-20 | 2002-03-19 | Sulzer Orthopedics Ltd. | Medical/technical tool holder apparatus with torque limitation and a shear body for an apparatus of this kind |
US7182770B2 (en) * | 2001-10-10 | 2007-02-27 | Medical Designs, Llc | Needle positioning forceps |
US7442192B2 (en) * | 2002-07-14 | 2008-10-28 | Knowlton Edward W | Method and apparatus for surgical dissection |
US20040243146A1 (en) * | 2002-11-18 | 2004-12-02 | Chesbrough Richard M | Method and apparatus for supporting a medical device |
US7517350B2 (en) * | 2002-11-20 | 2009-04-14 | Orthopediatrics Corp. | Convertible threaded compression device and method of use |
US20040158254A1 (en) * | 2003-02-12 | 2004-08-12 | Sdgi Holdings, Inc. | Instrument and method for milling a path into bone |
US7367979B2 (en) * | 2004-02-27 | 2008-05-06 | Custom Spine, Inc. | Screwdriver |
US7666189B2 (en) * | 2004-09-29 | 2010-02-23 | Synthes Usa, Llc | Less invasive surgical system and methods |
US7216569B2 (en) * | 2005-03-10 | 2007-05-15 | Custom Spine, Inc. | Screwdriver handle |
-
2007
- 2007-05-25 US US11/753,632 patent/US7981116B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2011
- 2011-06-09 US US13/157,298 patent/US20110288597A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US7981116B2 (en) | 2011-07-19 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CUSTOM SPINE, INC., NEW JERSEY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:REEDER, RALPH F., JR., DR.;ABDELGANY, MAHMOUD F.;SIGNING DATES FROM 20070517 TO 20070524;REEL/FRAME:026421/0090 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |