Adjustable-angle spinal fixation element for anatomical adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation devices often fail to accommodate the unique anatomical variations of individual patients, particularly in the cervical spine, due to their predetermined contour, leading to complications during surgery and recovery.
Innovation Solution
An angularly adjustable spinal fixation device with elongate members and a locking mechanism that allows for customizable positioning and secure locking of the members relative to each other, avoiding interference with spinal anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pre-contoured fixation rod is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to install, but it cannot accommodate anatomical variations such as different spinous process sizes, disease-related irregularities, or birth defects
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation rod is designed with a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the rod's contour to be modified after implantation. The rod includes adjustable elements that can be repositioned to change the angle and orientation of the rod's contour, enabling adaptation to various anatomical configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation rod incorporates adjustable parameters such as angle, curvature, and orientation that can be modified to match the patient's specific anatomy. These parameters can be changed through surgical adjustment mechanisms, allowing the same rod design to accommodate different spinous process sizes, irregular contours, and anatomical variations without requiring completely different rod designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rods projecting at multiple angles are used to accommodate anatomical variations, then anatomical adaptability is improved, but surgical complexity increases and recovery is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation rod is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently adjusted. Each segment can be positioned at different angles and orientations to accommodate anatomical variations, while the segments remain part of a single integrated rod structure. This segmentation allows for anatomical adaptability without requiring multiple separate rods, thereby simplifying the surgical procedure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rods projecting at multiple angles are used, then anatomical adaptability is improved, but strain on the spinous process increases possibly resulting in unsuccessful repair
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment functions and anatomical adaptation capabilities are merged into a single fixation rod design. The rod integrates angle adjustment, contour modification, and orientation changes within one unified structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate rods. This consolidation distributes the mechanical load more evenly across the spinous process, reducing strain while maintaining anatomical adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal fixation device is provided having first and second elongate members that are angularly adjustable relative to one another. Each elongate member can include a connecting feature formed on a terminal end thereof, and each connecting feature can be coupled to one another to allow angular movement of the first and second elongate members. The device can also include a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the connecting feature on each of the first and second elongate members to lock the elongate members in a fixed position relative to one another.