Articulating Revision Connector for Spinal Hardware Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spinal surgeons often face challenges in adding fixation to adjacent spinal segments due to interference from existing hardware, necessitating the development of connector implants that can attach to existing spinal fusion constructs without the need to remove original hardware, to facilitate quicker recovery and minimize discomfort.
Innovation Solution
The articulating revision connector assembly, which includes a connector with an open clamp portion and a closed clamp portion, allows for the attachment of a new rod to an existing rod construct by providing articulation and a locking mechanism to secure the new rod in place without requiring the removal of original hardware, enabling connection in various clinical scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing hardware is removed to add new fixation, then new fixation can be placed, but operating time increases and patient disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector serves as an intermediary device that attaches to the existing rod and provides a new attachment point for additional fixation hardware. This mediator allows the new fixation to be added without removing the original hardware, thereby reducing operating time and patient disruption while still achieving the desired surgical outcome
2Ease of operation
If existing hardware is removed to add new fixation, then new fixation can be placed, but patient disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector acts as a mediator that enables addition of new fixation without removing existing hardware, thereby minimizing patient disruption. The connector's design allows attachment to the existing rod construct while providing new attachment points, avoiding the need for extensive surgical exposure and tissue manipulation that would be required to remove and reattach hardware
3Adaptability or versatility
If connector allows articulation for various configurations, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates articulation capabilities that allow it to adapt to various spinal configurations and patient anatomies. The dynamic articulation mechanism enables the connector to accommodate different angles and positions while maintaining structural integrity, providing versatility without requiring multiple separate implant devices
4Productivity
If connector attaches to existing construct without removal, then operating time reduces, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with pre-configured attachment mechanisms that can be quickly engaged with the existing rod construct. The preliminary design of the connection interfaces allows for rapid attachment without requiring complex intraoperative adjustments or removal of existing hardware, thereby reducing operating time while managing connection complexity through thoughtful mechanical design
Data Source
AI summary
Connector assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A connector having body having a first end and a second end; a first connecting member at the first end, the first connecting member having a rod supporting member extending away from the first connector and a passage extending between the first connecting member and the rod supporting member; and a rod extending from the second end. The body and the passage extend co-axially, and a space is provided between the first end and the second end, the space being sized such that a spinal implant screw head is insertable in the space.