Articulated Bone Fixation Rod for Non-Linear Pedicle Screw Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bone fixation rod insertion systems require a predetermined linear pathway, making it difficult for surgeons to navigate rods into pedicle screw assemblies, especially in complex anatomical structures, leading to increased surgery time and potential complications.

Innovation Solution

A bone fixation rod with a contoured cylindrical member and an implantation instrument featuring opposing jaws that allow for incremental angular adjustments and rotation, enabling the rod to be inserted through a non-linear pathway without disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a predetermined linear pathway is required for rod insertion, then the insertion path is simple and direct, but the surgeon cannot navigate through complex anatomical structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverod insertion capabilityVSAvoidanatomical structure adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is designed with dynamic articulation capabilities, allowing it to change its configuration from linear to angular during insertion. The rod includes articulation points that enable bending and angular adjustment, transforming a rigid linear structure into a flexible dynamic one that can adapt to varying anatomical pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rod incorporates curved and angular sections instead of purely linear geometry. The articulation points allow the rod to form angles and navigate around anatomical obstacles, converting a straight-line insertion approach into a multi-directional curved pathway that matches complex spinal anatomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Adaptability or versatility

If incremental angular adjustments are allowed during insertion, then navigation through complex anatomy is improved, but the insertion device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion pathway flexibilityVSAvoidimplantation device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is divided into multiple segments or sections connected by articulation points. Each segment can be independently positioned and angled, allowing incremental adjustments during insertion. This segmentation enables complex navigation without requiring the entire rod to be manipulated as a single rigid unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The articulation mechanism employs nested components where smaller adjustment mechanisms are contained within the rod structure itself. The articulation points include nested elements that allow angular adjustment while maintaining a compact overall profile, reducing the complexity footprint of the adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Measurement precision

If the rod can be rotated and adjusted angularly, then precise positioning is achieved, but the risk of disengagement from implantation instrument increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverod positioning accuracyVSAvoidrod-instrument connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is pre-configured with engagement features and articulation mechanisms that are designed to maintain connection with the implantation instrument throughout the adjustment process. The engagement features are established beforehand to prevent disengagement during subsequent rotation and angular adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The articulation points serve as intermediary mechanisms between the rod body and the implantation instrument. These intermediaries allow rotational and angular movements to occur while maintaining a controlled connection, acting as a buffer that permits precision positioning without compromising connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If non-linear insertion pathway is enabled, then surgery time is reduced through efficient navigation, but the insertion technique becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgery efficiencyVSAvoidinsertion technique difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rod's articulation mechanism is designed to be self-adjusting or self-aligning during insertion. The articulation points automatically negotiate angles and directions based on the anatomical pathway, reducing the need for complex manual manipulation by the surgeon and enabling efficient non-linear navigation with simpler technique requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11000318B2Bone fixation rod and implantation device for insertion thereof

Publication Date: 2021.05.11 BEACON BIOMEDICAL LLC

AI summary

The present invention provides for a bone fixation device, an implantation instrument, and system which are useful in bone fixation surgeries. The bone fixation device of the instant invention allows the surgeon the ability to navigate the rod while being inserted into a pedicle screw assembly through a non-linear pathway by incrementally changing the direction of travel as desired.