Single Motor Mechanism for Placing Polyaxial Screws in Spinal Surgery

Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed an automatic pedicle screwdriver that enables robotic placement of spine screws. The screwdriver is made of stainless steel. The researchers have developed, constructed, and laboratory tested a complete prototype.

Pedicle screws are often used in spinal fusion. Currently there is no tool that can automatically engage and disengage a polyaxial pedicle screw. Currently available tools for pedicle screw insertion require a manual two-handed approach.

Advantages

• Minimizing the manual effort required to insert pedicle screws.
• Minimizing the complexity of inserting pedicle screws.

Applications and Commercial Opportunities

• Robotic spinal surgery

Additional Details