Gravity Dependent Pedicle Screw Tap Hole Guide and Data Processing Device
First Claim
1. A system for forming a hole in a pedicle, comprising:
- an elongated element configured for partial advancement into a pedicle and having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis; and
a sensor fixed in a positional relationship relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated instrument, the sensor being responsive to gravity to determine an angular difference between the longitudinal axis of the elongated instrument and an acting direction of gravity.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A gravity dependent pedicle screw tap hole guide comprises a guide shaft maintainable parallel to a drill bit during the drilling of a pedicle screw tap hole; an accelerometer associated with a reference direction and responsive to gravity to determine an angular difference between an acting direction of gravity and the reference direction; and a mounting attaching the accelerometer to the shaft and establishing a positional relationship between the reference direction and the longitudinal axis. The accelerometer is preferably in communication with a data processing device or system, which data processing device is able to use signals from the accelerometer to perform one or more actions, such as, for example, displaying the angular difference.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A system for forming a hole in a pedicle, comprising:
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an elongated element configured for partial advancement into a pedicle and having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis; and a sensor fixed in a positional relationship relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated instrument, the sensor being responsive to gravity to determine an angular difference between the longitudinal axis of the elongated instrument and an acting direction of gravity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An alignment guide for directing the positioning of a surgical implant, comprising:
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an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end being advancable through a patient to a surgical target site; and a sensor fixed in a positional relationship with said elongate shaft, said sensor being operable to determine an angular orientation of said elongate shaft when said shaft is positioned at said surgical target site. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification