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KOREX

KYPHOSIS OSTEOTOMY REDUCTION SYSTEM
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Dr. Christian DiPaola

Orthopedic Surgeon, specializing in the surgical treatment of adult and pediatric spinal disorders

Upon first consulting Dr. Dipaola, he demonstrated apprehension toward his current surgical tools (shown below) and expressed a need for a specialized system of instruments for kyphosis osteotomies. More specifically, a system with an integrated locking mechanism with no tool interference during the bending process, as well as a cross lock once bent. Ideally the system could also measure the angle of correction and the ease of medical cleaning was imperative.

A look at a competitor's system for best procedure comprehension...

Preoperative photos

Current Tools

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Progressive
TL Kyphosis
with 3" height
loss and back pain
Can slip off rod, must be held, and does not lock in position
Tool profile causes interference during spine bending process

Postoperative photos

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To be addressed:

  • Attach the tool to the rod
     

  • Tools shouldn't collide
     

  • Lock the tools into place
     

  • Measure the angle of the correction
     

  • Proper cleaning process is possible

Benchmarking

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**​Many competitors do not list prices and per Dr. Dipaola, many companies will either offer him a tool system for free if he purchases other products or they quote him an absurd price

Team Ideation

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Ideation, Mechanism I

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Simple and integrated tolerance, but does not produce enough force

Ideation, Mechanism II

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Easy to operate, but has an unstable distribution of force

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Simple and fast, but the clamp is horizontal

which takes up critical space in the patient​

Ideation, Mechanism III

Ideation, Mechanism IV

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Practical profile, but a bit bulky

Final Design

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Tool Clamp

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Next Steps

  • Pass project off to the Multidisciplinary Senior Design Program
    for further Engineering Development
     
  • Modify the number of prongs from two to one so the width of the profile can be cut in half
     
  • Revisit design ideation with concepts of a modified rod and lock rod clip ins
     
  • Conceptualize a square profile system
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