Angularly Stable Bone Fixation Device for Spinal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fixation devices for spinal column surgery are cumbersome and difficult to use in minimally invasive procedures, requiring complex positioning of clamp elements and additional fixation elements, which complicates the process and limits flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A single-part device allowing the longitudinal carrier to be pre-introduced with bone screws positioned only after exact placement, featuring a resilient element with slots, hook-shaped segments, and conical boreholes for easy fixation and rigid connection to the bone fixation elements, enabling flexible use in both internal and external fixators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional external fixators with separate clamp elements are used, then bone fixation can be achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires complex positioning of individual clamp elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clamp body and the bone screw into a single integrated device. The clamp body includes a borehole for receiving the bone screw and a channel for the longitudinal carrier, eliminating the need for separate clamp elements and reducing positioning complexity while maintaining secure bone fixation
2Strength
If additional fixation elements are used to secure the longitudinal carrier, then rigid connection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone screw serves dual functions: it secures the clamp to the bone and simultaneously fixes the longitudinal carrier in the channel. This integration eliminates the need for additional fixation elements while maintaining rigid connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The bone screw is designed as a multi-functional element that performs both bone anchoring and carrier fixation. The head of the bone screw engages with the longitudinal carrier while the threaded portion anchors into the bone, replacing the need for separate clamp and fixation elements
3Productivity
If bone screws are positioned before exact placement is known, then surgical efficiency improves, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal carrier can be introduced into the channel before the bone screw is fully tightened. This allows the surgeon to position the carrier and determine exact bone screw placement locations first, then secure the bone screws at the precise positions needed, combining surgical efficiency with placement precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates minimally invasive surgical techniques by simplifying the process, allowing precise placement of bone fixation elements and providing a rigid, stable connection without the need for additional fixation elements, enhancing surgical efficiency and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a hook-shaped segment 18, which is limited by two slots 17 penetrating from the borehole 8 perpendicularly to the channel axis 7 into the body 5, can be deformed resiliently because of the slots 17 extending from the first to the second surface 12; 13
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for mutually fixing a longitudinal carrier (3) to a bone fixation element (4), wherein the device consists of a three-dimensional body (5) which has a channel (6) that is open on one side, wherein the axis of the channel (7) receives the longitudinal carrier (3), and a bore hole (8) that extends crosswise in relation to the axis of the channel (7) through the body (5) and that is provided with a wall (10). At least one part of the bore wall (10) disposed between the channel (6) and the bore hole (8) is embodied as an elastic element (11) which can be pressed into the region of the channel (6) by introducing the bone fixation element (4) into the bore hole (8), such that a longitudinal carrier (3) arranged in the channel can be firmly clamped in a rotational and longitudinal manner by said elastic element (11).