Articulating Spinal Rod Joints for Polyaxial Alignment Without Rod Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinal rod systems require pre-bending to match patient anatomy, leading to stress on the rod material and potential compromise of integrity, along with time-consuming adjustments during operations.
Innovation Solution
An articulating spinal rod system with adjustable articulating joints allowing polyaxial movement and locking mechanisms to align fixation members with patient anatomy without bending the rods intraoperatively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a pre-bent rod is used to match patient anatomy, then alignment with patient anatomy is improved, but stress on the rod material increases and fatigue strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is divided into multiple modular segments that can be connected at articulating joints. This segmentation allows the rod system to conform to patient anatomy through modular assembly rather than bending a single continuous rod, thereby avoiding stress concentration and fatigue strength reduction while achieving precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod system incorporates articulating joints that provide dynamic adjustability. The rod can be adjusted intraoperatively to match patient anatomy without pre-bending, and the locking mechanism allows the structure to transition from a dynamic adjustable state to a fixed stable state, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and material strength.
2Manufacturing precision
If a pre-bent rod is customized for each patient, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rod system uses standardized modular segments and articulating joints that can be universally applied to different patients. The same basic components can be assembled in various configurations to accommodate different anatomical requirements, eliminating the need for custom pre-bending for each patient while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod segments and articulating joints are pre-manufactured with precise geometries and connection interfaces. This preliminary preparation of components allows for rapid intraoperative assembly and adjustment without requiring time-consuming custom bending procedures, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing time while maintaining alignment precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rod bending is performed intraoperatively, then alignment adjustment is possible, but operational time increases and rod integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating joints provide dynamic adjustability during surgery, allowing the rod to be configured in multiple planes without bending. The locking mechanism enables transition from a dynamic adjustable state during implantation to a fixed stable state after positioning, providing adaptability while avoiding time-consuming bending procedures and protecting rod integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical bending process with an articulating joint mechanism that achieves alignment adjustment through rotational movement and locking. This substitution eliminates the need for intraoperative rod bending, reducing operational time and preserving rod integrity while maintaining alignment adjustment capability.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple rod adjustments are made during surgery, then anatomical matching is improved, but the number of operations on the rod increases fatigue risk
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the rod into modular segments connected by articulating joints allows anatomical matching to be achieved through assembly configuration rather than repeated bending operations. Each segment can be positioned independently, and the locking mechanism secures the configuration, improving anatomical matching while minimizing operations on the rod material and preserving fatigue resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating joints provide dynamic adjustability that allows precise anatomical matching through rotational movement rather than bending. Once positioned, the locking mechanism fixes the configuration, enabling anatomical matching without repeated rod operations and maintaining rod integrity and fatigue resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable articulating spinal rod system including a first elongated element secured to a first bone, a second elongated element secured to the spine, and an articulating joint connecting the first and second elongated elements. The articulating joint including a first movable joint, a second movable joint, and at least one locking mechanism. The first movable joint is coupled to the first elongated element and the second movable joint which is also coupled the second elongate element. The first and second movable joints are configured to allow polyaxial movement and rotation of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element. The at least one locking mechanism immobilizes the first and second movable joints in the locked position to secure the first elongate element in a position relative to the second elongate element and allow movement and rotation in an unlocked position.