Band Clamp Implant for Spinal Fixation Without Pedicle Screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation techniques, particularly in cervical spine surgery, face challenges with instability and bone mineral density issues, where traditional screw-based methods may fail due to weak bone or dysmorphic vertebrae, necessitating alternative fixation methods that are more secure and durable than metal wires.
Innovation Solution
A band clamp implant assembly that secures flexible bands to the spinal rod, using a combination of locking members and anchors to maintain tension and prevent loosening, allowing for effective fixation and correction of spinal deformities without the need for pedicle screws in cases where bone quality is compromised.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw-based fixation methods are used, then stable fixation can be achieved in patients with good bone quality, but the method fails in patients with weak bone or dysmorphic vertebrae due to inability to secure proper purchase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from rigid screw-based fixation to flexible band fixation, changing the mechanical parameters of the fixation system. The flexible band can adapt to various bone qualities and anatomical configurations, providing reliable fixation in patients with weak bone or dysmorphic vertebrae where traditional screws would fail
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible band instead of rigid screws to achieve spinal fixation. The flexible band can be wrapped around compromised vertebrae and tensioned to provide stable fixation without requiring secure screw purchase in weak bone, thereby improving adaptability to compromised bone quality while maintaining fixation reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If metal wires are used for cervical fixation, then fixation can be achieved, but the wires may wear through bone or loosen over time leading to neurological injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite fixation system combining a flexible band with a band clamp implant and locking mechanism. This composite structure provides both the ease of implementation of simple wiring and the durability needed to prevent wire cutout and loosening, eliminating the neurological injury risk associated with traditional metal wires
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple metal wire mechanical system with a more sophisticated band clamp and locking mechanism system. This substitution maintains the ease of implementation while significantly improving fixation durability through the locking mechanism that prevents loosening and the distributed load of the band that prevents bone wear
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible bands are used for spinal fixation, then fixation can be achieved in patients with weak bone, but the bands may loosen over time without proper tensioning and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The band clamp implant with its locking mechanism provides self-service by automatically maintaining band tension without requiring external intervention. The locking mechanism prevents the band from loosening over time, ensuring long-term stability while maintaining the adaptability to weak bone structures
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism in the band clamp implant provides a feedback system that maintains constant tension on the flexible band. The mechanism responds to any tendency toward loosening by engaging the lock to prevent further relaxation, thereby maintaining band tension stability while preserving the adaptability to compromised bone quality
Data Source
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Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
Implants, systems, and methods for securing a flexible band, thereby providing a desired correction to the spine. The implant may secure the flexible band to patient anatomy without the use of pedicle screws or spinal rods. The implant may include a locking member configured to secure the band. The band may be looped around bony anatomy and tensioned to achieve correction and provide fixation as an alternative to pedicle screws and spinal rods during spinal deformity surgery.