UBE surgical tool - Bone graft funnel

The application in spinal fusion surgery
Intervertebral fusion bone grafting: The bone grafting funnel plays a crucial role in intervertebral fusion surgeries of the cervical, lumbar or thoracic vertebrae. After the discectomy and intervertebral space preparation are completed, a bone graft funnel is inserted into the intervertebral space through the UBE surgical channel. Doctors can slowly inject the pre-prepared bone graft materials (such as autologous bone, allogeneic bone or artificial bone) into the intervertebral space through a funnel. For instance, in lumbar L4-L5 intervertebral fusion surgery, the use of a bone graft funnel can ensure that the bone graft material is evenly distributed in the intervertebral space, fill the gap caused by intervertebral disc resection, promote bone fusion between the upper and lower vertebral bodies, and restore the stability of the spine.
Posterolateral fusion bone grafting: For posterolateral spinal fusion surgeries, such as posterolateral intertransverse fusion of the lumbar vertebrae, the bone grafting funnel can accurately place the bone grafting material on the bone bed around the transverse processes. The funnel is guided to the intertransverse process area through the UBE channel, and bone graft materials are injected to provide sufficient bone volume for intertransverse process bone fusion. This helps to increase the stability of the spine, especially when treating spondylolisthesis or degenerative spinal diseases, and improves the long-term effect of the surgery.
Application in bone defect repair
Bone defects may occur during spinal surgeries, such as laminectomy or vertebral fracture surgery. Bone graft materials can be filled into these bone defects using a bone graft funnel. For instance, after cervical laminectomy and decompression, if the laminectomy defect is large, it may affect the stability of the spine. Filling lamina defects with bone graft materials through a bone graft funnel can promote the repair of bone defects and reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications such as spinal deformity.
Operation precautions and skills
Operation precautions
Item channel preparation and instrument placement: Before using the bone graft funnel, please ensure that the UBE surgical channel has been fully established and is unobstructed. When inserting a bone graft funnel, one should be extremely cautious to avoid damaging the tissues around the channel, especially the nerves and blood vessels. Under the guidance of an endoscope, the funnel can be slowly and gently inserted into the target bone graft position.
Preparation and characteristics of bone graft materials: Select appropriate bone graft materials based on the specific needs of the surgery, and understand their particle size, fluidity and other properties. If the particles of bone graft materials are too large, they may clog the funnel. Excessive fluidity may cause uneven distribution of bone graft materials. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the bone transplant materials undergo strict disinfection and treatment to avoid infection.
Avoid overfilling: During the bone transplantation process, avoid overfilling the bone transplantation material. Overfilling may cause the bone graft material to overflow and compress the surrounding tissues, such as nerves and blood vessels. Doctors need to reasonably control the amount of bone transplantation based on the size and shape of the bone defect as well as the feedback from the bone transplantation funnel.
Operation skills
Placement technique: According to the anatomical path shown by the endoscope, place the bone graft funnel at an appropriate Angle and direction. During the insertion process, the tip of the funnel can be inserted into the surgical channel first, and then gradually pushed in. At the same time, the slender shape of the funnel can be used to advance along the natural anatomical gap or the established channel. If you encounter resistance, do not force it in. Check the cause and adjust the insertion Angle or position.
Bone grafting technique: When injecting bone grafting materials through a funnel, a slow and steady method should be adopted. According to the size and shape of the bone graft site, the position and Angle of the funnel can be appropriately adjusted to ensure that the bone graft material is evenly distributed in the target area. If it is found that the bone graft material does not flow smoothly, the funnel can be gently shaken or an appropriate tool (such as a push rod) can be used to assist in injecting the bone graft material. However, attention should be paid to the force of operation to avoid damaging the funnel or affecting the distribution of the bone graft material.