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Publication Number
US-12144688-B2
Publication Date
2024-11-19
Expiration Date
Abstract
The presently disclosed depth gauge device includes a tube with a measurement rod inserted into one end of the tube. The measurement rod includes a set of indicators associated with length values. A surgeon may translate the provided depth gauge device over a guidewire, which causes the guidewire to force the measurement rod partially out of the tube. Once the depth gauge device contacts bone, the indicator on the measurement rod that lines up with a designated spot on the tube indicates a guidewire depth into bone, which is equal to a screw length that is needed for the procedure. Additionally, the provided depth gauge device is constructed such that the measurement rod maintains its positioning in the absence of applied force. This enables a surgeon to remove the depth gauge device from the bone or completely from the guidewire when obtaining a measurement reading.
Core Innovation
The invention is a screw length determination system that includes a set of guidewires and a depth gauge device. The depth gauge device includes a tube having a guidewire channel configured to receive the set of guidewires and a measurement rod channel. The measurement rod channel has a greater cross sectional area than the guidewire channel, and a measurement rod is positioned within the measurement rod channel.
The positioning of the measurement rod is adjustable in response to applied force via the guidewires. The measurement rod includes a plurality of indicators along its length. An interface between the measurement rod channel and the measurement rod maintains a set positioning of the measurement rod in the absence of applied force, enabling a reading of a measurement indicator aligned with a tube reference.
The set of guidewires includes guidewires with different size diameters, and the guidewire channel is sized to accommodate each of the guidewires in the set. The interface is arranged to hold the rod at a set position without applied force, including embodiments with a friction spring, a spring and ball plunger, magnets of opposite magnetic polarity, or a ring spring. The device is used to translate the gauge to contact bone, read the rod indicator aligned with a tube reference, and then remove the gauge while maintaining the reading.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim clm-00001 covers a screw length determination system with an adjustable measurement rod positioned by guidewires, channel geometry that enables rod movement, and an interface that maintains a set rod position without applied force. The claim also requires a set of guidewires of different diameters matched by sizing of the guidewire channel, and the measurement rod carries a plurality of indicators along its length. No other independent claims are explicitly provided in the partial content.
Guidewire set with differing diameters sized to the guidewire channel
Each guidewire in the set has a different size diameter, and the guidewire channel is sized to accommodate each of the guidewires in the set.
Tube channel geometry for receiving guidewires and a measurement rod
A tube having (i) a guidewire channel configured to receive the set of guidewires and (ii) a measurement rod channel, the measurement rod channel having a greater cross sectional area than the guidewire channel.
Adjustable measurement rod position in response to guidewire-applied force
A measurement rod positioned within the measurement rod channel, wherein a positioning of the measurement rod is adjustable in response to applied force via the guidewires.
Measurement rod with plurality of indicators along its length
The measurement rod includes a plurality of indicators along its length.
Interface maintaining set rod positioning without applied force
An interface between the measurement rod channel and the measurement rod maintains a set positioning of the measurement rod in the absence of applied force.
Across the provided independent claim, the inventive coverage centers on coordinating a tube with separate guidewire and measurement-rod channels, using a set of guidewires to adjust the measurement rod position, providing multiple indicators on the rod, and employing an interface that holds the rod at a set position after force is removed, with guidewire diameters accommodated by sizing of the guidewire channel.
Stated Advantages
Maintains a set positioning of the measurement rod in the absence of applied force.
Enables reading a plurality of indicators along the measurement rod aligned with a tube reference while maintaining the reading after the gauge is removed.
Documented Applications
Determining a screw length using the screw length determination system, followed by use with a cannulated drill and cannulated screw of the determined length.
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