Pedicle screw coupler and spinal stabilization device

Abstract

The present application discloses a kind of pedicle screw coupler and spinal column stabilizing device, the pedicle screw coupler, comprising: holding component, it includes holding wall, the cylindrical cavity and extrusion cavity shaped by holding wall, the accommodation slot of radial through holding wall;Covering component has the plurality of elastic arms of circumferential arrangement, when covering component is pressed, elastic arm is extruded by the oppression of cavity wall of extrusion cavity and clamps the ball head of pedicle screw;First gland, with the cavity wall of cylindrical cavity is screwed, by screwing first gland, it is pressed to the rod-shaped component to fix rod-shaped component;Second gland, with the cavity wall of cylindrical cavity is screwed, second gland is located above first gland and is separated from first gland each other;Force transmission component, it is between second gland and covering component in axial direction and across first gland and rod-shaped component, second gland can press covering component by the aid of force transmission component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for correcting and stabilizing the spine, and more particularly to a pedicle screw connector and a spinal stabilization device. Background Technology

[0002] Spinal stabilization devices (or spinal correction devices) are used to correct deformities of the entire spine or parts of the spine caused by bone diseases or injuries (such as spinal curvature caused by osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, or fractures of several vertebrae in the spine caused by trauma) so as to stabilize them in a normal shape and physiological curve.

[0003] Traditional spinal stabilization devices include: a rod-shaped component arranged along the vertebral alignment of the spine, multiple connectors connected in series on the rod-shaped component, and a pedicle screw (hereinafter referred to as pedicle screw) formed at the bottom of each connector for screwing into the posterior side of the vertebra. The rod-shaped component and the pedicle screw are connected by connectors, thereby correcting and stabilizing the spine. A typical coupling device is configured to allow pedicle screws to be adjusted at a certain angle in any direction in space, and to lock the pedicle screws in place after adjustment. This configuration is based on two reasons: First, since the rod-shaped component is typically rigid, it is difficult for it to fully conform to the vertebral alignment. Therefore, if the pedicle screw is fixedly attached to the bottom of the coupling device, ensuring the pedicle screw is screwed into the vertebra in the appropriate area may lead to misalignment between the coupling device and the rod-shaped component, making engagement difficult. Conversely, ensuring smooth engagement may prevent the pedicle screw from being screwed into the appropriate area of ​​the vertebra. Second, if the pedicle screw is fixedly attached to the bottom of the coupling device, undesirable stress concentrations or bending moments may occur between the vertebrae, the coupling device, and / or the rod-shaped component during correction after device installation. By configuring the coupling device to allow the pedicle screw to be angle-adjustable in any direction in space, it can conform to the positional relationship between the vertebrae and the rod-shaped component, thereby facilitating corrective surgery and reducing undesirable stress concentrations or bending moments.

[0004] As shown in the attached diagram of the instruction manual. Figure 1As shown, the aforementioned pedicle screw adjustment coupling 1000 typically includes: a retaining member 1001, a force transmitting member 1005, a covering member 1006, and a pressure cap 1009 (or pressure nut); the retaining member 1001 has an axially extending cylindrical cavity 1002 and a radially penetrating receiving groove 1003, the receiving groove 1003 for the rod-shaped member 300 to be radially inserted to receive the rod-shaped member 300; a compression cavity 1004 is disposed at the bottom of the retaining member 1001, the covering member 1006 is placed in the compression cavity 1004, and the covering member 1006 has a plurality of circumferentially arranged elastic arms 1007 to define a spherical cavity 1008 with an inlet at the bottom, the force transmitting member 1005... Component 1005 is placed between rod-shaped component 300 and covering component 1006, and can be integrally formed with covering component 1006. Furthermore, the upper end of force transmission component 1005 is provided with a cylindrical surface adapted to the surface of rod-shaped component 300. Threads are provided on the upper cavity wall of cylindrical cavity 1002. Pressure cap 1009 is located above rod-shaped component 300 and screwed into the thread of cavity wall of cylindrical cavity 1002. Correspondingly, the tail of pedicle screw 200 is machined with a ball head 201 with a force-applying structure at the top (the pedicle screw can be screwed into the vertebra by combining the force-applying tool with the force-applying structure and screwing the pedicle screw). Ball head 201 enters spherical cavity 1008 through inlet. Thus, by screwing on the cap 1009, the cap 1009 presses against the rod-shaped component 300, thereby causing the rod-shaped component 300 to press against the covering component 1006 and move downward through the force transmission component 1005, so that the cavity wall of the compression chamber 1004 presses against the elastic arm 1007 and clamps the ball head 201, thereby locking and fixing the pedicle screw 200. At the same time, the rod-shaped component 300 is pressed against the cylindrical surface of the force transmission component 1005 and fixed. By screwing on the cap 1009 in the opposite direction, the pressure on the rod-shaped component 300, the force transmission component 1005, and the covering component 1006 is released, thereby the elastic arm 1007 of the covering component 1006 is released and elastically reset, thereby the ball head 201 of the pedicle screw 200 is released and the pedicle screw 200 is allowed to be adjusted at any angle in space.

[0005] While the aforementioned coupling structure allows for spatial angle adjustment of the pedicle screw and its subsequent locking, it also links the screw's release / locking state to the release / fixation state of the rod-like component. This means that adjusting the screw's angle requires releasing the rod-like component, and if it's fixed, the screw is locked. This correlation between the screw and the rod-like component makes the spinal stabilization device ineffective in certain situations. For example, the coupling may not always allow the pedicle screw to be in a released or damped state, particularly in cases where the vertebrae adjacent to the distal segment of a problem vertebra often require rod-like support and a degree of mobility. Furthermore, the coupling may not allow for fine-tuning of the pedicle screw's angle while the rod-like component is fixed (temporary release followed by refixation could affect the entire alignment). Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a pedicle screw connector and a spinal stabilization device.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A pedicle screw fastener, comprising:

[0009] A retaining member includes a retaining wall, a columnar cavity defined by the retaining wall, a receiving groove radially penetrating the retaining wall, and a compression cavity defined by the retaining wall located below the columnar cavity, the receiving groove being used to receive a rod-shaped member;

[0010] The covering component is located in the compression chamber. The covering component has a plurality of elastic arms arranged circumferentially to form a spherical cavity. The ball head of the pedicle screw is located in the spherical cavity. When the covering component is compressed, the elastic arms are pressed by the cavity wall of the compression chamber and clamp the ball head of the pedicle screw.

[0011] The first pressure cap screws into the cavity wall of the columnar cavity. By screwing the first pressure cap, pressure is applied to the rod-shaped component so that the rod-shaped component abuts against the bottom of the receiving groove and is fixed.

[0012] The second pressure cap screws into the wall of the cylindrical cavity, the second pressure cap is located above the first pressure cap and is separate from the first pressure cap, and the second pressure cap has a first operating hole that allows a force-applying tool for screwing the first pressure cap to pass through;

[0013] A force-transmitting component is axially located between the second pressure cap and the covering component and spans the first pressure cap and the rod-shaped component. The second pressure cap can apply pressure to the covering component by means of the force-transmitting component.

[0014] Preferably, the force-transmitting component extends across the rod-shaped component and the first pressure cap in a manner that does not protrude radially beyond the outer surface of the retaining wall.

[0015] Preferably, at least two downwardly extending wall grooves are formed on the retaining wall from the top of the retaining member;

[0016] The force transmission component includes:

[0017] A pressure-bearing component has a pressure-bearing main body located in the columnar cavity and connected at the bottom to the covering component, and a crank arm formed in the pressure-bearing main body and circumferentially opposite to the wall groove. The upper part of the crank arm has a pressure plate that extends radially into the lower part of the wall groove.

[0018] A pressure-applying component has a pressure-applying main body that is directly pressed against the second end cap and a force-applying leg formed in the pressure-applying main body and circumferentially opposite to the wall groove. The force-applying leg slides into the wall groove from the upper end to fill the wall groove and to apply pressure to the pressure plate; wherein:

[0019] The force-applying leg engages with the two opposing wall surfaces of the wall groove to limit the two circumferential sections of the retaining wall separated by the wall groove from each other.

[0020] Preferably, the force-applying leg has a plane opposite to two wall surfaces of the wall groove;

[0021] Both walls of the wall groove are provided with dovetail grooves extending from the top of the retaining member to the bottom of the wall groove. The two planes of the force-applying leg are provided with dovetail-shaped strips that slide into the dovetail grooves.

[0022] Preferably, a flat shaft is formed at the bottom of the first gland;

[0023] The pressure-applying main body of the pressure-applying component is an annular component with a central hole in the middle. The annular component is sleeved on the flat shaft and can rotate relative to the second pressure cover. The lower end face of the second pressure cover is used to press against the annular component.

[0024] The force-applying leg is integrally formed on the edge of the annular component; the force-applying leg has an upper leg segment located above the annular component and a lower leg segment located below the annular component; wherein:

[0025] The lower end face of the second pressure cap or the upper end face of the annular component is provided with circumferentially arranged protrusions, and the surface of the protrusions is provided with grooves.

[0026] Preferably, the bottom of the wall groove is higher than the bottom of the receiving groove;

[0027] The bottom of the wall groove is higher than the bottom of the receiving groove;

[0028] Limiting protrusions are provided on both sides of the radially outer end of the pressure plate of the crank arm and on both sides of the radially outer end of the force-applying leg. A stepped portion is formed on the radially outer side of the wall surface of the wall groove. The limiting protrusions and the stepped portion stop to prevent the two circumferential sections of the retaining wall separated by the receiving groove from moving away from each other.

[0029] Preferably, the crank arm further has an axially extending arm body, and the pressure plate is formed on the upper part of the wall body; the arm body has a cylindrical surface that mates with the cavity wall of the lower part of the columnar cavity, and the width of the wall body is greater than the width of the pressure plate.

[0030] Preferably, the pressure-applying main body of the pressure-receiving component is integrally formed with the covering sleeve, and a second operating hole is provided from the upper end of the pressure-applying main body and extends axially through the top of the spherical cavity of the covering sleeve. The second operating hole allows the force-applying workpiece for tightening the ball head of the pedicle screw to pass through.

[0031] Preferably, the lower part of the pressure-bearing body of the pressure-bearing component, the top of the covering component, or the space between the pressure-bearing body and the covering sleeve has an elastic portion capable of axial compression.

[0032] Preferably, a positioning protrusion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pressure-bearing body below the elastic part or on the outer peripheral surface of the covering sleeve, and an axially extending positioning groove is provided on the columnar cavity, with the positioning protrusion located in the positioning groove.

[0033] This invention discloses a spinal stabilization system, comprising: a rod-shaped component, a pedicle screw, and the aforementioned pedicle screw connector, wherein the pedicle screw connector is attached to the rod-shaped component, and the pedicle screw is attached to the bottom of the pedicle screw connector.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the pedicle screw coupling device and spinal stabilization device disclosed in this invention are:

[0035] 1. The connector provided by the present invention, by adding a force transmission component for indirectly pressing the cover component and configuring the force transmission component to pass over the rod-shaped component and the pressure cover for directly pressing the rod-shaped component, can independently control the release / fixation state of the rod-shaped component and the pedicle screw, ensuring that the state of the rod-shaped component and the state of the pedicle screw are independent and unrelated to each other.

[0036] 2. The connector provided by the present invention avoids the connector from having a protruding structure protruding from the cylindrical surface due to the force transmission component crossing the two components from the outside of the retaining component by opening a wall groove on the wall of the retaining component and allowing the main body of the force transmission component to cross the rod-shaped component and the pressure cap for applying pressure to the rod-shaped component in a manner that fills the wall groove. Therefore, the connector provided by the present invention still has a cylindrical surface.

[0037] 3. Other advantages of the present invention are described directly or implicitly in the specific embodiments of the specification.

[0038] The overview of various implementations or examples of the technology described in this invention is not a complete disclosure of the full scope or all features of the disclosed technology. Attached Figure Description

[0039] In drawings that are not necessarily drawn to scale, the same reference numerals may describe similar parts in different views. The same reference numerals with or without letter suffixes may indicate different instances of similar parts. The drawings generally illustrate various embodiments by way of example rather than limitation and, together with the description and claims, serve to explain embodiments of the invention. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used in all drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. Such embodiments are illustrative and not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive embodiments of the apparatus or method.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector in the prior art.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the spinal stabilization device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the connector provided for an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 4 A perspective sectional view of the connector provided for an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 5 To maintain the three-dimensional structural diagram of the component.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram showing the combination of the pressure-bearing component and the covering component.

[0046] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram from a top view of the combination of the second pressure cap and the pressure-applying component.

[0047] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the second pressure cap and the pressure-applying component.

[0048] Figure label:

[0049] 100-Connector; 10-Retaining component; 11-Retaining wall; 12-Columnar cavity; 13-Receiving groove; 131-V-shaped groove bottom; 14-Wall groove; 141-Dovetail groove; 142-Stepped portion; 15-Extrusion cavity; 16-Positioning groove; 20-Covering component; 21-Elastic arm; 22-Spherical cavity; 31-First pressure cap; 311-Driven operating groove; 32-Second pressure cap; 321-Driven operating groove; 322-First operating hole; 323-Flat shaft; 324 - Retaining ring; 325 - Raised portion; 40 - Pressure-bearing component; 41 - Pressure-bearing main body; 42 - Crank arm; 421 - Arm main body; 422 - Pressure-bearing plate; 4221 - Limiting protrusion; 43 - Elastic part; 44 - Positioning protrusion; 45 - Second operating hole; 50 - Pressure-applying component; 51 - Pressure-applying main body; 52 - Force-applying leg; 521 - Dovetail strip; 522 - Limiting protrusion; 200 - Bone nail; 201 - Ball head; 202 - Driven operating groove; 300 - Rod-shaped component. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0051] To keep the following description of the embodiments of the present invention clear and concise, detailed descriptions of known functions and known components are omitted.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a connector 100 and a spinal stabilization device including the connector 100. The spinal stabilization device further includes a pedicle screw (hereinafter referred to as a bone screw 200) for screwing into the posterior side of the vertebra of the spine and a rod-shaped component 300 for supporting, correcting and stabilizing. The connector serves as a connecting medium component so that a plurality of bone screws 200 are connected in series at intervals along the extension direction of the rod-shaped component 300. Therefore, the connector is connected to the rod-shaped component 300 on one hand and to the bone screws 200 on the other hand.

[0053] The coupling 100 provided by this invention allows the bone screw 200 to be adjusted at any angle in space and has the function of locking the bone screw 200. In the spinal stabilization system provided by this invention, all couplings 100 connected in series on the rod-shaped component 300 can use the coupling 100 provided by this invention. Alternatively, the coupling 100 provided by this invention can be used in sections of the rod-shaped component 300 corresponding to certain vertebral segments, while other sections use conventional couplings where the bone screw 200 and the coupling are always in a fixed state. For example, before correction, if certain (or certain) (i) If a segment of the vertebra is significantly offset from the corresponding segment of the rod-shaped component 300 in the left-right direction of the human body, then that segment is suitable for using the connector 100 provided by the present invention. For example, if, before correction, certain (or a certain) segments of the vertebrae are significantly deflected in the transverse, coronal, or sagittal planes, then the segment of the rod-shaped component 300 corresponding to that segment is suitable for using the connector 100 provided by the present invention. For example, the segment of the rod-shaped component 300 corresponding to the terminal problem vertebra or the normal vertebra adjacent to the terminal problem vertebra is suitable for using the connector 100 provided by the present invention.

[0054] The connector 100 provided by the present invention can be applied not only to a single-bar spinal stabilization device having only one rod-shaped component 300, but also to a double-bar spinal stabilization device having two parallel rod-shaped components 300 and a connecting beam between the two rod-shaped components 300. Accordingly, the spinal stabilization device disclosed in the present invention can be a single-bar type stabilization device or a double-bar type stabilization device.

[0055] The connector 100 provided by the present invention aims to make the fixed / released state of the rod-shaped component 300 and the locked / adjustable state of the bone screw 200 independent of each other and unrelated. Furthermore, it aims to ensure that the shape of the connector 100 remains cylindrical and does not have a radially protruding structure, provided that the state of the rod-shaped component 300 and the state of the bone screw 200 are independent of each other.

[0056] like Figures 2 to 8 As shown, the connector 100 provided by the present invention includes: a retaining member 10, a covering member 20, two pressure caps, and a force transmission member.

[0057] like Figure 5 and combined Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the retaining member 10 is machined into a cylindrical shape. The retaining member 10 has a wall with a circular cross section (let's call it retaining wall 11), a cylindrical cavity 12 defined by the retaining wall 11 and extending axially, two opposing receiving grooves 13 that radially penetrate the retaining wall 11 and are formed on the retaining wall 11, and a compression cavity 15 defined by the retaining wall 11 and located below the cylindrical cavity 12.

[0058] The receiving groove 13 extends axially upward and extends through to the top of the retaining member 10, forming a slot on the retaining wall 11 at the top of the retaining member 10. The rod-shaped member 300 can enter the receiving groove 13 through the slot at the top of the retaining member 10 and be received by the receiving groove 13. The bottom of the receiving groove 13 is configured as a V-shaped groove bottom 131 defined by two opposing inclined surfaces. Thus, when downward pressure is applied to the rod-shaped member 300 in the area between the two receiving grooves 13, the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped member 300 simultaneously contacts the two inclined surfaces of the V-shaped groove bottom 131, thereby fixing the rod-shaped member 300 to the retaining member 10. The width of the receiving groove 13 can be configured to be equal to the diameter of the rod-shaped member 300, so that after the rod-shaped member 300 is released, that is, after the pressure on the rod-shaped member 300 is reduced or removed so that the rod-shaped member 300 does not contact the bottom of the V-groove 131, the rod-shaped member 300 is only allowed to pitch. The width of the receiving groove 13 can be configured to be greater than the diameter of the rod-shaped member 300, so that after the rod-shaped member 300 is released, the rod-shaped member 300 is allowed not only to pitch but also to circumferentially.

[0059] The upper wall of the cylindrical cavity 12 is provided with internal threads for the two pressure caps to be screwed on. The compression cavity 15 is located below the cylindrical cavity 12, and the upper end of the compression cavity 15 communicates with the cylindrical cavity 12 so that the covering member 20 can enter the compression cavity 15 from the top of the retaining member 10 through the cylindrical cavity 12. The lower end of the compression cavity 15 extends to the bottom of the retaining member 10 so that the bone screw 200 can protrude from the bottom of the retaining member 10.

[0060] The upper part of the compression chamber 15 is basically a cylindrical cavity, and the lower part of the compression chamber 15 is configured as a conical cavity. The covering component 20 is generally cylindrical in shape to fit the compression chamber 15 and is installed in the compression chamber 15. The covering component 20 has multiple circumferentially arranged elastic arms 21, which form a spherical cavity 22 with an entrance at the bottom. The ball head 201 of the tail of the bone screw 200 enters the spherical cavity through the entrance, so that the ball head 201 of the bone screw 200 is attached to the bottom of the covering component 20. When the covering component 20 is subjected to sufficient downward pressure, the covering component 20 moves downward, causing the cavity wall of the conical cavity of the compression chamber 15 to apply radial force to each elastic arm 21, thereby causing the elastic arm 21 to elastically deform to clamp the ball head 201, thus locking the bone screw 200. When the pressure is reduced or removed, the elastic arm 21 elastically resets and releases the locking of the bone screw 200, allowing the bone screw 200 to swing at any angle in space. Preferably, a passivation structure is machined at the root of each elastic arm 21, for example, an inwardly recessed arc notch is machined, to reduce the harmful stress concentration generated by the elastic arm 21 during elastic deformation.

[0061] like Figure 4As shown, both pressure caps are screwed into the upper cavity wall of the cylindrical cavity 12. For this purpose, the outer peripheral surface of both pressure caps has an external thread that engages with the internal thread on the cavity wall of the cylindrical cavity 12. In this invention, since the two pressure caps have different functions, to distinguish between the two pressure caps, they can be referred to as the first pressure cap 31 and the second pressure cap 32, respectively. The first pressure cap 31 is located below the second pressure cap 32, and the first pressure cap 31 and the second pressure cap 32 remain separated during the axial movement stroke. Both the upper surfaces of the first pressure cap 31 and the second pressure cap 32 are provided with driven operating grooves 311 and 321, respectively. For example, the driven operating groove can be a regular hexagonal groove. The driven operating groove is used for the workpiece to screw the pressure cap. The bottom of the driven operating groove 311 of the second pressure cap 32 is provided with an operating hole, which may be called the first operating hole 322. The first operating hole 322 can be a round hole. The radial dimension of the first operating hole 322 is larger than the maximum radial dimension of the driven operating groove 311 of the first pressure cap 31. Thus, the force-applying tool is allowed to pass through the first operating hole 322 and act on the driven operating groove 311 of the first pressure cap 31 to perform a screwing operation on the first pressure cap 31.

[0062] The bottom of the first pressure cap 31 is designed to directly contact the rod-shaped component 300. Thus, when the first pressure cap 31 is screwed down and moves downward, the first pressure cap 31 directly presses against the rod-shaped component 300, causing the rod-shaped component 300 to abut against the V-shaped groove bottom 131 of the two receiving grooves 13, thereby fixing the rod-shaped component 300. When the first pressure cap 31 is screwed in the opposite direction, the first pressure cap 31 releases the pressure on the rod-shaped component 300, thereby releasing the rod-shaped component 300. Therefore, by screwing the first pressure cap 31, the rod-shaped component 300 can be switched between the fixed and released states.

[0063] In this invention, a force transmission component is provided between the second pressure cap 32 and the covering sleeve. When the second pressure cap 32 is screwed on, the force transmission component transmits the power of the second pressure cap 32. Specifically, when the second pressure cap 32 is screwed on and moves downward, the force transmission component responds to the downward movement of the second pressure cap 32 by applying pressure to the covering component 20, causing the covering component 20 to move downward, thereby causing the elastic arm 21 to clamp the ball head 201 of the bone nail 200, thereby increasing the damping of the ball head 201 or locking the ball head 201. When the second pressure cap 32 is screwed on in the opposite direction, the pressure applied to the covering component 20 is reduced or removed, thereby reducing the clamping force of the elastic arm 21 of the covering component 20 on the ball head 201, thereby reducing the damping of the ball head 201 or completely releasing the ball head 201.

[0064] In this invention, the force transmission component passes over the rod-shaped component 300 and the first pressure cap 31. "Passing over the rod-shaped component 300 and the first pressure cap 31" means that the force transmission component axially bypasses the rod-shaped component 300 and the first pressure cap 31. There is at least a certain margin between the force transmission component and the rod-shaped component 300 and the first pressure cap 31 to allow axial movement of the rod-shaped component 300 and the first pressure cap 31, so as to avoid applying force to the force transmission component due to contact with it during axial movement. Furthermore, "the force transmission component bypassing the first pressure cap 31" should also be understood as the force transmission component bypassing the first pressure cap 31 radially outside of it rather than passing through it. Thus, the force transmission component does not restrict the rotation of the first pressure cap 31.

[0065] Based on the above, when the first pressure cap 31 is screwed on, it only applies pressure to the rod-shaped member 300 and does not transmit power to the force transmission member. Therefore, screwing on the first pressure cap 31 only switches the fixed and released states of the rod-shaped member 300 without affecting the state of the bone screw 200. Similarly, when the second pressure cap 32 is screwed on, it applies pressure to the covering member 20 through the force transmission member and not to the rod-shaped member 300. Therefore, screwing on the second pressure cap 32 only switches the locked and released states of the bone screw 200 without affecting the state of the rod-shaped member 300. Thus, in the connector 100 provided by this invention, the states of the rod-shaped member 300 and the bone screw 200 are independently controlled by the first pressure cap 31 and the second pressure cap 32. Switching the state of the rod-shaped member 300 does not affect the state of the bone screw 200, and vice versa.

[0066] The connector 100 provided by this invention not only aims to ensure that the fixed / released state of the rod-shaped component 300 and the locked / released (damped) state of the bone screw 200 are controlled independently, but also aims to ensure that the shape of the connector remains cylindrical after adding a force-transmitting component that spans the rod-shaped component 300 and the first pressure cap 31. This avoids the addition of a force-transmitting component causing a radial protrusion structure in the connector 100 that could affect the surgery. For example, if the force-transmitting component or the addition of a force-transmitting component causes a protrusion structure, the protrusion structure may interfere with other areas of the vertebra or may invade muscle tissue, affecting tissue healing.

[0067] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a force-transmitting component and its related structure that maintains the cylindrical shape of the coupling 100. Specifically, two axially downward extending wall grooves 14 are formed on the retaining wall 11 from the top of the retaining component 10. Both wall grooves 14 radially penetrate the retaining wall 11. The planes of the two wall grooves 14 are opposite each other and perpendicular to the planes of the two receiving grooves 13, that is, the two wall grooves 14 and the two receiving grooves 13 are in a cross-shaped circumferential position. The force-transmitting component includes a pressure-receiving component 40 and a pressure-applying component 50.

[0068] like Figure 6 and combined Figure 4 As shown, the pressure-bearing component 40 has a pressure-bearing main body 41 and two circumferentially opposite crank arms 42 formed on the upper part of the pressure-bearing main body 41. The pressure-bearing main body 41 has a cylindrical surface and is located in the lower part of the cylindrical cavity 12. The bottom of the pressure-bearing main body 41 is integrated with the top of the covering sleeve. The circumferential positions of the two crank arms 42 correspond to the two wall grooves 14 respectively. Each crank arm 42 has an arm body 421 extending axially from the pressure-bearing main body 41 and forming... A pressure plate 422 is located at the top of the arm body 421. This pressure plate 422 protrudes radially from the arm body 421 and extends radially into the wall groove 14. Its dimensions are appropriately configured so that the outer end of the pressure plate 422 does not protrude from the cylindrical surface of the retaining member 10. Preferably, the outer end of the pressure plate 422 is machined to match the cylindrical surface of the retaining member 10, making the outer end of the pressure plate 422 flush with the cylindrical surface of the retaining member 10. Preferably, the pressure plate body and the crank arm 42 are integrally formed. Figure 7 , 8 and combined Figure 4 As shown, the pressure-applying component 50 has a pressure-applying main body 51 and two circumferentially opposing force-applying legs 52 formed on the pressure-applying main body 51. The pressure-applying main body 51 is located at the bottom of the second pressure cover 32 and is engaged with the second pressure cover 32 in a manner that allows the second pressure cover 32 to rotate relative to it. The two force-applying legs 52 on the pressure-applying main body 51 slide from the top of the retaining wall 11 into the two wall grooves 14 to fill the wall grooves 14 as a whole, and their lower ends are used to apply pressure to the pressure plate of the crank arm 42. The radially outer surface of the force-applying leg 52 is configured as a cylindrical surface, and the outer surface of the force-applying leg 52 is flush with the cylindrical surface of the retaining component 10. Preferably, the pressure-applying main body 51 is an annular component with a central hole in the middle. A flat shaft 323 is machined into the bottom of the second pressure cover 32, and the annular component is sleeved on the flat shaft 323. A retaining ring 324 is installed on the flat shaft 323 to prevent the annular component from dislodging from the flat shaft 323. Thus, the pressure-applying component 50 is assembled with the second pressure cover 32, and the bottom of the second pressure cover 32 contacts the upper end face of the annular component, thereby applying pressure to the pressure-applying component 50. Preferably, the two force-applying legs 52 are integrally machined with the pressure-applying main body 51.

[0069] The applying leg 52 has a side plane opposite to the two side walls of the wall groove 14. The wall groove 14 has a fitting groove, the upper end of which extends to the top of the retaining member 10, and the lower end of which extends to the bottom of the wall groove 14. A fitting strip is machined on the side plane of the applying leg 52. When the applying member 50 is inserted into the retaining member 10 from above, the fitting strip of the applying leg 52 simultaneously slides into the fitting groove from the top of the retaining member 10. Thus, after completing the... After the pressure-applying component 50 is assembled, the engagement of the fitting strip and the fitting groove allows the force-applying leg 52 to limit the two circumferential sections of the retaining wall 11 separated by the wall groove 14 from moving away from each other. This significantly suppresses the reduction in stiffness of the retaining component 10 caused by the wall groove 14. Therefore, when the two caps are screwed in and tightened, the retaining wall 11 will not experience undesirable radial expansion due to the addition of the wall groove 14. Thus, deformation of the retaining component 10 and automatic loosening of the caps can be suppressed. Preferably, the fitting groove formed on the wall surface of the wall groove 14 is a dovetail groove 141, and the fitting strip formed on the plane of the force-applying leg 52 is a dovetail strip 521.

[0070] As can be seen from the above, when the second pressure cap 32 is screwed down, the second pressure cap 32 will apply pressure to the pressure main body 51 of the pressure applying member 50. The pressure applying main body will drive the force applying leg 52 to apply pressure to the pressure plate 422 of the crank arm 42 of the pressure receiving member 40, thereby causing the pressure receiving member 40 to drive the covering member 20 to move down and increase the clamping force of the elastic arm 21 on the ball head 201 of the bone screw 200, thereby increasing the damping that suppresses the spatial swing of the bone screw 200 or locking the bone screw 200. By screwing the second pressure cap 32 in the opposite direction, the damping that suppresses the spatial swing of the bone screw 200 is reduced or the bone screw 200 is completely released.

[0071] As described above, by creating the wall groove 14 and filling it with the force-applying leg 52 of the pressure-applying member 50 and the pressure-receiving plate 422 of the pressure-receiving member 40, the force-transmitting member can pass over the rod-shaped member 300 and the first pressure cap 31 without radially protruding from the cylindrical surface of the retaining member 10. Therefore, the shape of the connector 100 provided by the present invention does not have a protruding structure, which helps to avoid interference between the connector 100 and the vertebrae and to avoid invasion into muscle tissue. In addition, the force-applying leg 52 and the wall groove 14 are joined by a fitting structure, which can significantly suppress radial deformation of the retaining member 10, thereby helping to suppress the failure of the pressure cap to engage with the retaining member 10 and the automatic loosening of the pressure cap.

[0072] In some preferred configurations, the pressure-bearing component 40 of the force-transmitting component is integrally formed with the covering component 20; that is, the pressure-bearing main body 41, the crank arm 42, and the covering component 20 of the pressure-bearing component 40 are machined from a single solid blank. A second operating hole 45 is provided at the upper end of the pressure-applying main body 51, extending axially and penetrating the top of the spherical cavity 22 of the covering sleeve. The second operating hole 45 allows the force-applying workpiece for tightening the ball head 201 of the pedicle screw to pass through.

[0073] In a more preferred configuration, an elastic part 43 capable of axial compression is disposed between the pressure-bearing main body 41 and the covering sleeve, and a positioning protrusion 44 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the covering member 20 below the elastic part 43, and an axially extending positioning groove 16 is provided on the columnar cavity 12, with the positioning protrusion 44 located in the positioning groove 16. Preferably, by machining a spiral groove in the solid section between the pressure-bearing main body 41 and the covering sleeve to form an elastic part 43 between them, the advantage of the structure in which the elastic part 43 and the positioning groove 16 cooperate with the positioning protrusion 44 is that when the second pressure cap 32 is screwed on, the pressure of the second pressure cap 32 on the covering member 20 is transmitted to the covering member 20 in the form of elastic force rather than through a rigid member. The elastic part 43, through elastic contraction and reset, requires the second pressure cap 32 to be screwed on at a larger angle when the bone screw 200 is switched between being fully locked and fully released. In this way, it is easier to adjust the damping of the covering member 20 on the bone screw 200 (the damping state is between the state of full release and full lock) using the second pressure cap 32, thereby avoiding the bone screw 200 being fully released or fully locked due to a small screwing angle. The cooperation between the positioning groove 16 and the positioning protrusion 44 can prevent the undesirable twisting of the covering member 20 relative to the holding member 10 due to the provision of the elastic part 43.

[0074] In some preferred structures, such as Figure 7 and combined Figure 4 As shown, the force-applying leg 52 has an upper leg section located above the pressure-applying main body 51 and a lower leg section located below the pressure-applying main body 51. The lower leg section is used to fill the corresponding wall groove 14 below the pressure-applying main body 51, and the upper leg section is used to fill the corresponding wall groove 14 above the pressure-applying main body 51. In this way, the wall groove 14 corresponding to the second pressure cap 32 is also filled and fitted by the force-applying leg 52, thereby significantly improving the rigidity of the upper region of the retaining member 10. This is beneficial for preventing the second pressure cap 32 from failing to engage or loosening. Furthermore, the entire wall groove 14 is basically filled by the force-applying leg 52, thereby inhibiting the growth of muscle tissue into the wall groove 14. More preferably, the lower end face of the second pressure cap 32 or the upper end face of the annular member is provided with circumferentially arranged protrusions 325, and the surface of the protrusions 325 is provided with grooves (not shown), which can further inhibit the automatic loosening of the second pressure cap 32.

[0075] In some preferred structures, such as Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the bottom of the wall groove 14 is higher than the bottom of the receiving groove 13; limiting protrusions 4221 are arranged on both sides of the radial outer end of the pressure plate 422 of the crank arm 42, and limiting protrusions 522 are also arranged on both sides of the radial outer end of the force-applying leg 52. A stepped portion 142 is formed on the radial outer side of the wall surface of the wall groove 14. The limiting protrusions and the stepped portion 142 stop to suppress the two circumferential sections of the retaining wall 11 separated by the receiving groove 13 from moving away from each other. In this way, the reduction in the stiffness of the retaining member 10 caused by the opening of the receiving groove 13 can be significantly suppressed, thereby suppressing the deformation of the receiving groove 13 caused by the excessive swing force of the rod-shaped member 300 after the retaining member 10 is pressed against the V-shaped groove bottom 131 of the receiving groove 13, and suppressing the deformation of the receiving groove 13 caused by the excessive swing force of the rod-shaped member 300.

[0076] In some preferred configurations, the arm body 421 has a cylindrical surface that mates with the lower cavity wall of the cylindrical cavity 12, and the width of the arm body 421 is greater than the width of the pressure plate, thereby suppressing the deformation of the arm body 421 when the crank arm 42 is under pressure.

[0077] like Figure 3 and combined Figure 4 As shown, the following describes the installation and use method of the above-mentioned connector 100 disclosed in this invention in spinal correction surgery.

[0078] First, the ball head 201 of the tail of the bone nail 200 is inserted into the spherical cavity 22 formed by the covering component 20 through the inlet at the bottom of the covering component 20. Then, the bone nail 200 is inserted through the columnar cavity 12 from the top of the holding component 10 and extends out from the bottom of the compression cavity 15. At the same time, the covering component 20 is inserted into the compression cavity 15 and the pressure-bearing component 40 integral with the covering component 20 is also inserted into the holding component 10. The pressure plate 422 of its crank arm 42 also slides into the bottom of the wall groove 14 from the opening at the upper end of the wall groove 14.

[0079] Then, adjust the angle of the bone screw 200 so that it is aligned with the vertebra at a suitable angle. Use a special force-applying tool to pass through the second operating hole 45 and extend into the driven operating groove 202 at the top of the ball head 201 of the bone screw 200 to screw the bone screw 200 into the vertebra.

[0080] Then, the rod-shaped member 300 is simultaneously inserted into the two receiving slots 13 from the opening of the receiving slot 13 at the top of the holding member 10, and then the first pressure cap 31 is screwed into the columnar cavity 12 from the top of the holding member 10.

[0081] Then, the two force-applying legs 52 of the pressure-applying member 50 are slid into the wall groove 14 from the opening of the wall groove 14 of the retaining member 10, and then the second pressure cap 32, which is in the assembled state with the pressure-applying member 50, is screwed into the cylindrical cavity 12.

[0082] A special force-applying tool can be used to apply force to the driven operating groove 321 of the second pressure cap 32 and rotate the second pressure cap 32 downward to increase the damping of the ball head 201 and completely lock the ball head 201 by pressing the covering member 20 with the help of the pressure-applying member 50 and the pressure-receiving member 40. The damping of the ball head 201 can be reduced and the ball head 201 can be completely released by rotating the second pressure cap 32 in the opposite direction. When rotating the second pressure cap 32 to switch the state of the bone nail 200, the first pressure cap 31 and the rod-shaped member 300 are axially separated from the second pressure cap 32 and do not contact the pressure-applying member 50 and the pressure-receiving member 40. Therefore, the fixed or released state of the rod-shaped member 300 is not affected.

[0083] A special force-applying tool can be inserted through the first operating hole 322 of the second pressure cap 32 to act on the driven operating groove 311 of the first pressure cap 31, causing the first pressure cap 31 to be rotated downwards. The first pressure cap 31 abuts against the rod-shaped member 300, so that the rod-shaped member 300 abuts against the V-shaped groove bottom 131 of the receiving groove 13, thereby fixing the rod-shaped member 300. The rod-shaped member 300 can be released by rotating the first pressure cap 31 in the opposite direction. When rotating the first pressure cap 31 to switch the state of the rod-shaped member 300, the state of the bone nail 200 is not affected.

[0084] Furthermore, although exemplary embodiments have been described in this invention, their scope includes any and all embodiments based on the invention that have equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., schemes involving intersections of various embodiments), adaptations, or alterations. Elements in the claims will be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims and are not limited to the examples described in this specification or during the implementation of this application, and such examples will be interpreted as non-exclusive. Therefore, this specification and examples are intended to be considered illustrative only, and the true scope and spirit are indicated by the full scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

[0085] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above examples (or one or more of them) can be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments may be used by those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Furthermore, in the above detailed description, various features may be grouped together to simplify the invention. This should not be construed as an intention that a disclosed feature, which is not claimed, is necessary for any claim. Rather, the subject matter of the invention may be less than all the features of the particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are incorporated herein by reference as examples or embodiments, wherein each claim is independently considered as a separate embodiment, and these embodiments are contemplated as being possible in various combinations or arrangements. The scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

[0086] The above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention within its spirit and scope of protection, and such modifications or equivalent substitutions should also be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pedicle screw coupler, comprising: include: A retaining member includes a retaining wall, a columnar cavity defined by the retaining wall, a receiving groove radially penetrating the retaining wall, and a compression cavity defined by the retaining wall located below the columnar cavity, the receiving groove being used to receive a rod-shaped member; The covering component is located in the compression chamber. The covering component has a plurality of elastic arms arranged circumferentially to form a spherical cavity. The ball head of the pedicle screw is located in the spherical cavity. When the covering component is compressed, the elastic arms are pressed by the cavity wall of the compression chamber and clamp the ball head of the pedicle screw. The first pressure cap screws into the cavity wall of the columnar cavity. By screwing the first pressure cap, pressure is applied to the rod-shaped component so that the rod-shaped component abuts against the bottom of the receiving groove and is fixed. The second pressure cap screws into the wall of the cylindrical cavity, the second pressure cap is located above the first pressure cap and is separate from the first pressure cap, and the second pressure cap has a first operating hole that allows a force-applying tool for screwing the first pressure cap to pass through; A force-transmitting component is axially located between the second pressure cap and the covering component and spans the first pressure cap and the rod-shaped component. The second pressure cap can apply pressure to the covering component by means of the force-transmitting component. The force-transmitting component crosses the rod-shaped component and the first pressure cap in a manner that does not protrude radially beyond the outer surface of the retaining wall; At least two downwardly extending wall grooves are formed on the retaining wall from the top of the retaining member; The force transmission component includes: A pressure-bearing component has a pressure-bearing main body located in the columnar cavity and connected at the bottom to the covering component, and a crank arm formed in the pressure-bearing main body and circumferentially opposite to the wall groove. The upper part of the crank arm has a pressure plate that extends radially into the lower part of the wall groove. A pressure-applying component has a pressure-applying main body that is directly pressed against the second end cap and a force-applying leg formed in the pressure-applying main body and circumferentially opposite to the wall groove. The force-applying leg slides into the wall groove from the upper end to fill the wall groove and to apply pressure to the pressure plate; wherein: The force-applying leg engages with the two opposing wall surfaces of the wall groove to limit the two circumferential sections of the retaining wall separated by the wall groove from each other.

2. The pedicle screw connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force-applying leg has a plane opposite to two wall surfaces of the wall groove; Both walls of the wall groove are provided with dovetail grooves extending from the top of the retaining member to the bottom of the wall groove. The two planes of the force-applying leg are provided with dovetail-shaped strips that slide into the dovetail grooves.

3. The pedicle screw connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, A flat shaft is formed at the bottom of the second pressure cap; The pressure-applying main body of the pressure-applying component is an annular component with a central hole in the middle. The annular component is sleeved on the flat shaft and can rotate relative to the second pressure cover. The lower end face of the second pressure cover is used to press against the annular component. The force-applying leg is integrally formed on the edge of the annular component; the force-applying leg has an upper leg segment located above the annular component and a lower leg segment located below the annular component; wherein: The lower end face of the second pressure cap or the upper end face of the annular component is provided with circumferentially arranged protrusions, and the surface of the protrusions is provided with grooves.

4. The pedicle screw connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the wall groove is higher than the bottom of the receiving groove; Limiting protrusions are provided on both sides of the radially outer end of the pressure plate of the crank arm and on both sides of the radially outer end of the force-applying leg. A stepped portion is formed on the radially outer side of the wall surface of the wall groove. The limiting protrusions and the stepped portion stop to prevent the two circumferential sections of the retaining wall separated by the receiving groove from moving away from each other.

5. The pedicle screw coupler as recited in claim 1, wherein, The crank arm also has an axially extending arm body, and the pressure plate is formed on the upper part of the arm body; the arm body has a cylindrical surface that mates with the cavity wall of the lower part of the cylindrical cavity, and the width of the arm body is greater than the width of the pressure plate.

6. The pedicle screw coupler of claim 1, wherein, The pressure-bearing main body of the pressure-bearing component is integrally formed with the covering component. A second operating hole is provided at the upper end of the pressure-bearing main body, extending axially and penetrating the top of the spherical cavity of the covering component. The second operating hole allows the force-applying workpiece for tightening the ball head of the pedicle screw to pass through.

7. The pedicle screw coupler as recited in claim 1, wherein, The lower part of the pressure-bearing main body of the pressure-bearing component, the top of the covering component, or the space between the pressure-bearing main body and the covering component has an elastic portion capable of axial compression.

8. The pedicle screw coupler of claim 7, wherein, A positioning protrusion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pressure-bearing main body below the elastic part or on the outer peripheral surface of the covering component. An axially extending positioning groove is provided on the columnar cavity, and the positioning protrusion is located in the positioning groove.

9. A spinal column stabilization system comprising: The rod-shaped component and the pedicle screw are characterized in that the spinal stabilization system further includes a pedicle screw connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, the pedicle screw connector being attached to the rod-shaped component and the pedicle screw being attached to the bottom of the pedicle screw connector.

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