Vertebral nail for spinal segment fixation in case of bone damage

Abstract

A device includes a uniquely configured body member protruding by a curved corn shape, a plurality of tines, and angled ridges near a core. The body member incorporates a cylindrical core having different radii of curvature. Further, the device includes a head member having dedicated threads tailored for compatibility with fasteners, and a tulip head member. Optionally, the utility of the device is improved when the biasing rod is attached to the body member and to the tulip head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of systems and methods for connecting bones or bone parts, and more specifically to a nail device for connecting bones or placing anchors in the spine. Background Technology

[0002] Spinal fixation and internal fixation devices are key elements of spinal surgery. These techniques are used to treat degenerative, traumatic, infectious, and neoplastic lesions. Achieving robust fixation of spinal segments is essential for obtaining strong spinal fusion, thereby addressing issues such as nerve compression, spinal instability, or deformities.

[0003] Pedicle screws are the gold standard for segmental fixation of the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral spine. While pedicle screws provide three-column fixation and have a well-established clinical track record over decades, their holding power is often poor in osteoporotic bone and in revision spinal surgeries where bone damage has resulted from prior fixation. Osteoporosis affects both cortical and cancellous bone quality. In revision surgeries, prior internal fixation devices can impair bone reserve available for additional internal fixation devices.

[0004] Current strategies for treating damaged bone include using bone cement for screw reinforcement and using screws that are longer and have a larger diameter.

[0005] However, both strategies come with significant drawbacks. Concerns regarding cemented reinforcement include the possibility of cement seeping into both the adjacent vascular system and the spinal canal, potentially leading to nerve or vascular damage. Another potential issue lies in the reworkability of cemented screws, especially in cases of possible infection. Enlarging the screw size faces limitations on screw size limits, with screw diameters typically reaching a maximum of 8 mm to 8.5 mm. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the screw is also limited by the inner diameter of the pedicle cortex.

[0006] 8 mm to 8.5 mm screws are typically used specifically for securing the S1 segment, and sometimes for securing the L5 segment. However, with the previous use of 8 mm to 8.5 mm screws, the options for overhaul are very limited. Therefore, there is a need to develop devices and methods to solve this problem.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the problems associated with conventional devices and to improve the design and construction of these devices. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The novel nail device disclosed in this invention is tailored for medical purposes and exhibits innovative structural features that improve functionality and ease of use.

[0009] The device consists of a body component and a head component. It can be fabricated with a curved body design that mimics the trajectory of a pedicle screw and simulates the natural curve of the thoracic or lumbar spine, whereas conventional pedicle screws are straight. Durable materials such as industrial-grade titanium, titanium alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, or stainless steel are used. The tulip-shaped head component helps secure the spinal rod or rail and connects it to other pedicle screws, hooks, or similar curved bone anchors.

[0010] Key attributes can include: serrated ridges or other prominent features to enhance gripping force, insertion torque, and pull-out resistance; incisions for bone ingrowth; a curved axis; features to minimize compression of neural structures; and customizable ridge configurations. By combining precise manufacturing techniques with adaptable design elements, pedicle screw devices improve spinal fixation in cases of bone damage, enhancing surgical performance and patient outcomes, thus becoming a cutting-edge solution. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 This is an illustration of an embodiment of the invention, showing the body component and the head component.

[0013] Figure 3 This is an illustration of an embodiment of the rear view of the present invention, showing the body component and the head component.

[0014] Figure 4 This is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a ridge.

[0015] Figure 5 This is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the invention with a groove.

[0016] Figure 6 This is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the body component of the present invention connected with a bias rod. Detailed Implementation

[0017] All illustrations in the accompanying drawings are intended to depict selected versions of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0018] As a preliminary observation, those skilled in the art will readily understand that this disclosure has broad uses and applicability. It should be understood that any embodiment may combine only one or more aspects of the foregoing aspects of this disclosure, and may further combine only one or more features of the foregoing features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and designated as "preferred" is considered to be part of the best mode contemplated when carrying out embodiments of this disclosure. Other embodiments may also be discussed as additional descriptions to provide a full and implementable disclosure. In addition, many embodiments (such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements) will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0019] Accordingly, while embodiments have been described in detail herein with respect to one or more embodiments, it should be understood that such disclosure is illustrative and exemplary, and is intended only to provide a sufficient and implementable disclosure. The detailed disclosure of one or more embodiments herein is not intended, nor should it be construed, as limiting the scope of patent protection claimed by any patent claim thus granted, which will be defined by the claims and their equivalents. It is not intended to limit the scope of patent protection by incorporating any limitations herein and / or those thus granted, but not expressly present in the claims themselves, into the claims.

[0020] Accordingly, the scope of patent protection is intended to be defined by the claims for which the patent is sought, rather than by the description set forth herein.

[0021] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to the term whose meaning a person skilled in the art would understand based on the context in which it is used herein. If the meaning of a term used herein (according to the understanding of a person skilled in the art based on the context in which it is used) differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of the term, then the meaning of the term as understood by a person skilled in the art should prevail.

[0022] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, unless the context otherwise indicates otherwise, “a” and “one” generally mean “at least one” but do not exclude multiple. When used in this document to connect lists of items, “or” means “at least one of the items” but does not exclude multiple items in the list. Finally, when used in this document to connect lists of items, “and” means “all items in the list”.

[0023] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of this disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible.

[0024] Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit this disclosure. Rather, the proper scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims herein and / or the claims for which authorization is sought. This disclosure includes headings. It should be understood that these headings are for reference only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter disclosed under those headings.

[0025] This article discloses that Figures 1 to 6 The nailing device 100 shown in the image includes a body component 10 and a head component 20.

[0026] The head member 20 may be attached to the body member 10 to produce the nail device 100 of the present invention. Alternatively, the head member may be an integral part of the body member and manufactured together as one piece.

[0027] In a specific embodiment, the nail device 100 may include a curved body component 10, such as a curved metal vertebral nail, which simulates the trajectory of a pedicle screw and the natural curvature of the vertebral body.

[0028] In one embodiment, the body component 10 may be made of materials including titanium alloy, industrial pure titanium, stainless steel, or cobalt-chromium.

[0029] In one embodiment, the head 20 of the nail device 100 may be a movable or fixed tulip head 20.

[0030] In medical spinal segment fixation, the tulip head 20 is a component used in spinal internal fixation systems. It facilitates the connection between the spinal rod and pedicle screws or anchors. The tulip head's design allows for secure attachment and alignment of the spine during surgery. It plays a crucial role in maintaining stability and promoting vertebral fusion.

[0031] Some variations of the nailing device 100 may combine a body 10, a separate tulip head 20, and a separate set screw 30 for assembly. The tulip head 20 on the head may be fixed or rotatable to facilitate the connection of segments using rods or rails.

[0032] The manufacture of the nail device 100 may involve machining or 3D printing. The device 100 is designed to be inserted along a prepared path upon application of axial force, rather than by rotation like a pedicle screw. The core of the nail device 100 may be cylindrical or conical with a varying radius of curvature. The nail device may have an internal hollow channel (hollow structure) to allow the nail device to be guided and inserted along a guide wire.

[0033] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, the body member 10 may include multiple ridges or other protruding elements 46, with or without serrations, along the convex side to enhance gripping force, while smaller features on the concave side reduce the risk of compression of neural structures.

[0034] Some embodiments have three or more serrated ridges 46 near the tulip head 20 and the end, which may be straight or slightly angled or curved relative to the core of the body member 10.

[0035] In a particular configuration, the core diameter of the nail device 100 is 5 mm or more, and the height of the ridge 46 is 1 mm or more.

[0036] In alternative embodiments, such as Figures 5 to 6 As shown, the body component 10 is incorporating a plurality of slots or openings 40, which are designed to enhance bone ingrowth or bone integration.

[0037] like Figure 5 As shown, some embodiments of the body component 10 may further include a plurality of sharp teeth 45.

[0038] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, in another embodiment of the nail device 100, a biasing rod 25 is attached to the top of the body member 100 via a fastener 40 and is configured to connect the body member 100 to the tulip head 20, thereby adjusting the position of the tulip head 20. The biasing rod can be a bar or any other connector.

[0039] While the invention has been explained with reference to preferred embodiments, it should be understood that many other possible modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: A body component having a corn-like shape, the body component including a plurality of ridges extending straight outward relative to the core of the body component, and A threaded head member that is connected to the body member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The body component includes a curved shape.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The head component includes a tulip head.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The tulip head is fixed to the main body component.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The tulip head is rotatably connected to the body component.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The device includes a cylindrical core with a varying radius of curvature.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The device includes a conical core with a varying radius of curvature.

8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The body component includes multiple ridges angled relative to the core.

9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The body includes multiple slots.

10. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The body includes multiple sharp teeth.

11. An apparatus comprising: The body component has a corn shape, the body component includes multiple grooves and multiple ridges extending straight outward relative to the core, the body includes multiple sets of multiple sharp teeth along the length of the body component, and the device includes a cylindrical core with a varying radius of curvature. as well as A head member having threads configured and sized to mate with the threads of a fastener, the head member being attached to the body member and including a tulip head.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The body component includes a curved shape.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein, The tulip head is fixed to the main body component.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein, The tulip head is rotatably connected to the body component.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein, The body component includes a plurality of ridges angled relative to the core of the body component.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The device includes an offset rod attached to the top of the body component.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The bias rod is connected to the tulip head.

18. An apparatus comprising: The main body component has a curved corn shape and multiple sets of sharp teeth. The body component includes a plurality of ridges angled relative to its core, and the body component includes a cylindrical core with varying radii of curvature. A head member attached to a body member, the body member including threads configured and sized to mate with the threads of a fastener, the head member including a tulip head, and An offset rod is attached to the top of the body component, wherein the offset rod is connected to the tulip head.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The tulip head is rotatably connected to the body component.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The body component includes a plurality of ridges that extend straight outward relative to the core of the body component.

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