Patent ID: 12185955

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of this disclosure. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity or clarity.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another when the apparatus is right side up.

The terms “about” and “approximately” shall generally mean an acceptable degree of error or variation for the quantity measured given the nature or precision of the measurements. Typically, exemplary degrees of error or variation are within 20 percent (%), preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5% of a given value or range of values. Numerical quantities given herein are approximate unless stated otherwise, meaning that the term “about” or “approximately” can be inferred when not expressly stated.

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

While the subject matter is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the subject matter to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the subject matter is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined herein. For example, any of the features of a particular example described herein may be used with any other example described herein without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

The present disclosure provides an adjustable depth drill guide1000that allows surgeons to make incremental depth adjustments in small increments when drilling pilot holes prior to bone screw placement. In the embodiment shown inFIGS.1-3,5, and8, the adjustable depth drill guide1000comprises: a shell1200, a trigger assembly1500, and a telescopic rotational assembly1600.

The shell1200of the drill guide1000is comprised of a handle600, a frame100, a drill stop400, and a shaft200. As shown inFIG.3the shell1200provides the outer shape of the drill guide1000. The handle600provides a hand-hold for the surgeon and allows the surgeon to navigate the drill guide1000and guide it into the proper space. Immediately above and connected to the upper portion of the handle600is the frame100.

The frame100is comprised of a generally horizontal portion116extending from the top portion of the handle600laterally toward the distal end120of the drill guide1000. As illustrated inFIGS.4A-D, the horizontal portion has a length106, width109, and height112. The height112and length106, are sized to accommodate the trigger500. Likewise, the width109must also be a sufficient distance so as to accommodate the dimensions of the trigger500.

The horizontal portion116of the frame100has an opening103that extends through the horizontal portion116and receives trigger500. Additionally, the opening103must have a length sufficient to accommodate the lateral translation of the trigger500so that one trigger cycle (as discussed below) can be completed. Furthermore, located on the distal end120of the horizontal portion116of the frame100is the vertical element115of the frame100. As shown inFIGS.4A and4B, the vertical element115includes a height111, a width107and a thickness108. As shown inFIGS.4C and4D, the vertical element115has a height111that is sufficient to include a distal opening105. The distal opening105extends partially through the thickness108of the vertical element115. The distal opening105has a diameter that will vary in size, but may coincide with the diameter a modular sheath300in alternative embodiments (as discussed below). Furthermore, the distal opening105may be fitted with a female thread104that allows the connection of the modular sheath300(as discussed below). Additionally, located on the opposite end of the vertical element115is the proximal opening113. The proximal opening113has a diameter that will vary in size, but must coincide with the diameter of the inner guide900.

In this embodiment, the shell1200also includes a shaft200. As illustrated inFIG.3, the shaft200is a hollow cylinder that is located adjacent to the vertical element115of the frame100. The shaft200surrounds a number of internal elements (as discussed below). Additionally, the shaft200has a diameter that is sufficient to receive the sheath300upon lateral translation of the sheath300toward the distal end1120of the drill guide1000.

The shell1200of this drill guide1000includes a drill stop400. The drill stop400serves two primary purposes: 1) it provides a barrier for the drill to prevent plunging during use; and 2) allows the surgeon to reverse the depth by rotating the drill stop400, and in turn the sheath300, counter-clockwise. As illustrated inFIGS.1,2A,2B,3,7A and7B, the drill stop400is located on immediately adjacent to the proximal end310of the sheath300. The drill stop400may encompass a portion of the sheath300in its static state as shown inFIGS.1and3. The drill stop400also includes an opening401which allows the surgeon to insert the drill through the drill stop400.

Enclosed in the shell1200of the drill guide1000is first, the trigger assembly1500, comprised of a primary actuating element700, a trigger500, and a distal spring102. According to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS.5-6B, the trigger500and primary actuating element700are of unitary construction. As illustrated inFIGS.1-2A,5,6A, and6B, the trigger500is located immediately below the primary actuating element700and may be perpendicular to the primary actuating element700. The primary purpose of the trigger500is to translate the primary actuating element700laterally toward the proximal end1110of the drill guide1000as shown inFIG.2B. This is accomplished when the surgeon squeezes or pulls the trigger500toward the handle600.

The primary actuating element700is a hollow cylinder. Located on the proximal end710of the primary actuating element700is a recess701designed to receive the control pin902once the primary actuating element700translates laterally toward the proximal end1110of the drill guide1000. This recess701is large enough to accept the control pin902during translation of the primary actuating element700upon the initiation of the first trigger cycle.

Additionally, as illustrated inFIG.3, trigger assembly1500includes a distal spring102located toward the distal end1120of the drill guide1000and is located on the exterior of the primary actuating element700. The distal spring102is attached to both the frame100, and the primary actuating element700. The distal spring102is designed to shore up any slack that may exist, but also assists in returning the primary actuating element700and trigger500in its resting location.

Finally, the drill guide1000also includes a telescopic rotational assembly1600, illustrated inFIG.8, comprised of an inner guide900, a sheath300, an intermediate actuating element800, and a proximal spring101. The telescopic rotational assembly1600is responsible for initiating the final step, ultimately responsible for depth adjustment.

The inner guide900serves the purpose of guiding the drill bit throughout the drill guide1000. As illustrated inFIGS.2A,2B,8, and9, the inner guide900is a narrow cylinder with an opening903that extends throughout the length of the inner guide900. The inner guide900, itself, runs nearly the length of the shell1200of the drill guide1000, beginning at the proximal end310of the sheath300and continuing throughout the drill guide1000into the vertical element115of the frame100. Located on the proximal end910of the inner guide900is male threaded portion901which is threaded to the female threaded portion302of the sheath300. Furthermore, located approximately midway on the inner guide900is a pair of control pins902. The control pins902are placed in the slots805between the two arms804of the intermediate actuating element800and prevents rotation once the drill guide1000begins a trigger cycle.

In this embodiment, the telescopic rotational assembly1600also includes a sheath300. The sheath300, like the shaft200, is also a hollow cylinder. As illustrated inFIGS.8,10A-C, located on the inner circumference of the sheath300at the distal end320of the sheath300is a pair of female rail slots301directly across from each other. The female rail slots301are a distance long enough to receive the male rails801of the intermediate actuating element800upon translation toward the proximal end1110of the drill guide1000. Furthermore, located on the proximal end310of the sheath300is a female threaded portion302. This threaded portion302interacts with the male threaded portion901of the inner guide900and allows the sheath300as a whole, to rotate and move within the shaft200to regulate and adjust the depth of the drill.

In addition to the aforementioned parts, the telescopic rotational assembly1600also contains an intermediate actuating element800which is adjacent to the primary actuating element700. As illustrated inFIGS.2A,2B,8, and11A-C, the intermediate actuating element800is a hollow cylinder with two distinct arms804located on the distal end820of the intermediate actuating element800. Located between the two arms804is a slot805large enough for the control pin902to rest prior to initiating a trigger cycle. Each arm804is configured so that each arm804has a spiraled, ramped portion802and a straightened portion803. The two arms804are aligned so that the ramped, spiraled portion802of one arm804, is adjacent to the straightened portion803of the arms804, so that a slot805is formed between the spiraled portion802and the straightened portion803of the arms804and the control pin902may rest therein prior to the initiation of one trigger cycle.

Furthermore, located on the proximal end810of the intermediate actuating element800is a pair of male rails801. These rails801are slidingly engaged with the female rail slots301located on the sheath300. Upon lateral translation of the intermediate actuating element800toward the proximal end1110of the drill guide1000, the rails801slide within the female rail slots301of the sheath300.

Finally, the telescopic rotational assembly contains a proximal spring101. The proximal spring101is located near the proximal end1110of the drill guide1000and wraps around the exterior of a portion of the inner guide900. The proximal spring101is attached to both the inner guide900and the interior of the intermediate actuating element800. Like the distal spring102, the proximal spring101assists in returning the intermediate actuating element800to its resting position.

With regards to this embodiment, the drill guide1000is assembled as follows. The handle600is attached to the lower portion116of the proximal end110of the frame100. The primary actuating element700is immediately adjacent to the vertical element115of the frame100. Furthermore, the trigger500, extends from the proximal end710of the primary actuating element700through the opening103of the frame100. The trigger500is substantially parallel to the handle600. The distal spring102wraps around the primary actuating element700and connects to both primary actuating element700and the vertical element115of the frame100.

Immediately adjacent to the proximal end710of primary actuating element700, is the intermediate actuating element800. Prior to initiating a trigger cycle, the proximal end710of the primary actuating element700rests against the arms804of the intermediate actuating element800located on the distal end820of the intermediate actuating element800. Furthermore, the intermediate actuating element800is partially covered by the adjacent sheath300. The intermediate actuating element800fits within the sheath300via the male rails801which correspond with the female rail slots301of the sheath300.

The intermediate actuating element800, the primary actuating element700, and the proximal spring101are all fully enclosed within the shaft200. Located on the proximal end310of the sheath300, is the drill stop400. The drill stop400partially covers the proximal end310of the sheath300. Beginning within the female threaded portion302of the sheath300, is the male threaded portion901of the inner guide900. The inner guide900then extends through the sheath300, the opening of the intermediate actuating element800at the proximal end810and extending therethrough the distal end820. Located on the inner guide900between the two arms804of the intermediate actuating element800are two control pins902. The inner guide900continues through the opening of the primary actuating element700, coming to a stop in the proximal opening105of the vertical element115of the frame100.

With regards to the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the drill guide1000is set to the initial depth prior to insertion into the surgical area. This is determined based on the surgeon's initial assessment and estimate of the appropriate bone screw length. The surgeon may then insert the drill through the drill stop400and the inner guide900wherein the drill will exit through the vertical element115of the frame100. At this time, the surgeon may ascertain that the first pilot hole is not of a sufficient depth, and thus, requires a small, incremental adjustment. At this point, the surgeon may pull the trigger500of the drill guide1000once to complete one trigger cycle and thus, increase the depth of the drill.

Upon pulling the trigger500toward the handle600, a series of events will occur before this trigger cycle is complete. First, the primary actuating element700will translate laterally toward the proximal end1110of the drill guide1000. This action expands the distal spring102. As the primary actuating element700translates toward the proximal end1110of the drill guide1000, it simultaneously begins to translate the intermediate actuating element800. In its static state, the straightened portion803of the arm804of the intermediate actuating element800rests against the control pins902located on the inner guide900. The control pins902, in combination with the straightened portion803of the arm804, prevent premature rotation of the intermediate actuating element800. Concurrently, the intermediate actuating element800, via the male rail801located on the intermediate actuating element800, slides within the female rail slot301of the sheath300during this translation. Additionally, translation of the intermediate actuating element800compresses the proximal spring101.

Next, the primary actuating element700, along with the intermediate actuating element800, continue to translate to the proximal end1110of the drill guide1000until the control pin902no longer obstructs the rotation of the intermediate actuating element800. Once the intermediate actuating element800translates past the control pins902, and the control pins902clear the arm804of the intermediate actuating element800, the control pins902will move into the recess701of the primary actuating element. At this point, the intermediate actuating element800is now partially covered by the sheath300. Subsequently, the intermediate actuating element800will rotate 180.degree. clockwise. Simultaneously, the sheath300will also rotate clockwise.

Upon rotation of the intermediate actuating element800, and in turn the sheath300, the female threaded portion302of the sheath300, interacts with the male threading901of the inner guide900. The threading302of the sheath300will rotate along the threading901of the inner guide900. This rotation will cause the sheath300to translate forward an incremental distance based on the pitch of the threading, telescopically into the shaft200. As the drill stop400is attached to the sheath300, the drill stop400also translates toward the distal end of the drill guide1000, allowing the surgeon to drill deeper. For purposes of this embodiment, the incremental distance is 1 mm. The surgeon will hear a “click” to signal that the trigger cycle is complete.

Upon completion of one trigger cycle and release of the trigger500, the compressed proximal spring101, exerts force in the direction of the distal end1120of the drill guide1000. Simultaneously, the distal spring102returns to its static state. These simultaneous actions, in combination with the control pins902, prevent multiple, unintended rotations of the intermediate actuating element800. As a result, the intermediate actuating element800and the primary actuating element700return to their original locations. The surgeon is free to repeat the aforementioned actions as needed to reach the appropriate depth.

The drill guide1000also allows the surgeon to reverse the adjustment. This is accomplished when the surgeon rotates the drill guide stop400in the counter-clockwise direction. The counter-clockwise rotation of the drill stop guide400rotates the sheath300, and in turn, the intermediate actuating element800counter-clockwise. During this counter-clockwise rotation, the control pins902, slide up the spiral ramps802of the intermediate actuating element800. The rotation of the sheath300interacts with the inner guide900and translates the sheath300proximally. As a result, the drilling depth is decreased an incremental amount. Similar to the clockwise rotation, the surgeon will hear a click once the control pins902reach the end of the spiral and pop into the adjacent slot805to signal that one reverse trigger cycle is complete.

Additional embodiments of the present disclosure describe an adjustable depth drill guide2000that is configured for allowing surgeons to make incremental depth adjustments in small increments when drilling pilot holes prior to bone screw placement. The adjustable depth drill guide2000as illustrated inFIG.12comprises: a handle2600; an inner guide2900; a modular sleeve1300; a sheath2300; an intermediate actuating element2800; a primary actuating element2700; a trigger2500; a drill stop2400; a frame2100; a shaft2200; a plurality of control pins2902; and a proximal spring2101; and a distal spring2102.

The configuration of this embodiment is identical to that of the original except the addition of the modular sleeve1300. The modular sleeve1300contains a threaded portion1301. This threaded portion1301may be affixed to the frame100via the distal opening105of the vertical element115of the frame100. The distal opening105is threaded104so that the modular sleeve1300may be affixed to the drill guide1000. The addition of the modular sleeve1300allows the surgeon to drill at various angles. Further, the modular sleeve1300can be configured to mate with various implants or anatomy. The modular sleeve1300, similar to the inner guide900is a hollow cylinder with an opening1302that extends throughout the length of the modular sleeve1300.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Similarly, this method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.