Anterior-Loading Rod-to-Rod Connector Implant for Spinal Revision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rod-to-rod connector implants for spinal fixation procedures require partial disassembly of the existing construct during revision surgeries, prolonging procedure duration and recovery time due to their posterior loading mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A rod-to-rod connector implant with a single closure mechanism, featuring a connector body with laterally offset channels and a locking member that allows for medially or laterally joining rods without disassembling the existing construct, using a locking member that pivots between unlocked and locked positions to secure the rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a posterior loading mechanism with traditional rod-to-rod connector is used, then the rod can be fixed in place, but the existing construct must be partially removed during revision surgeries, prolonging procedure duration and recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional posterior loading mechanism by providing anterior openings in the rod channels, allowing rods to be inserted and coupled from the front rather than the back. This enables revision surgeries to add connectors to existing constructs without requiring partial removal of the original fixation elements, thereby reducing procedure duration while maintaining fixation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is divided into separate rod channels with independent openings, allowing each rod to be inserted and secured independently. This segmentation enables the connector to be attached to existing constructs without disassembling them, reducing surgical time while maintaining reliable rod coupling
2Reliability
If a traditional rod-to-rod connector with posterior openings is used, then the rod can be secured, but multiple closure mechanisms are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the closure functions into a single integrated closure member that simultaneously secures both rod channels. This unified closure mechanism reduces device complexity compared to traditional designs requiring multiple separate closure mechanisms, while maintaining secure rod coupling through the combined locking action
3Stability of the object's composition
If the rod location is already fixed in the patient, then the construct is stable, but adding connectors requires partial removal of the existing construct
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the insertion direction to anterior rather than posterior, the patent enables connectors to be added to existing stable constructs without disrupting them. The anterior openings allow the connector to be attached to the front of the fixed rod location, maintaining construct stability while simplifying the addition process
Solution Approach 2:
The rod channels are pre-configured with anterior openings and the connector body is pre-formed with matching features, allowing the connector to be directly attached to existing stable constructs without requiring preliminary removal or modification of the original fixation elements
Data Source
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AI summary
A rod-to-rod connector implant is disclosed herein, the rod-to-rod connector implant being configured for joining a first rod and a second rod in a spinal fixation procedure. In various embodiments, disclosed herein are the rod-to-rod connector implant; a spinal fixation system comprising such a rod-to-rod connector implant, a first rod, and a second rod to be joined or coupled to the first rod by the connector implant; a method of inserting a rod-to-rod connector implant; and a kit comprising a rod-to-rod connector implant and a pair of forceps configured for use in inserting the connector implant into a patient.