Biased Angle Receiver Modular Spinal Fixation Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional receiver assemblies for spinal fixation systems are often preassembled and limited in variety, making it impractical for surgeons to select the appropriate components during surgery based on patient anatomy, restricting the range of motion and alignment options.

Innovation Solution

The development of a biased angle receiver assembly that allows for modular assembly, enabling screws of various lengths and diameters to be coupled with a receiver body, with a bottom-side loading mechanism and expandable retainer ring, facilitating greater angulation and flexibility during spinal fixation procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If receiver assemblies are preassembled by the manufacturer, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability and ease of operation deteriorate because the surgeon is limited in selection options during surgery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereceiver assembly precisionVSAvoidsurgeon selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver assembly is divided into separate modular components (receiver body, fastener, rod) that can be independently selected and assembled in the operating room. This allows the surgeon to choose specific components based on patient anatomy while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized interfaces and assembly guides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver body is designed as a universal component that can accept multiple types of fasteners and rod configurations. This multi-functional design provides adaptability for different surgical scenarios while maintaining precise alignment through standardized engagement features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If receiver assemblies are preassembled, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates because special tools and trained technicians are required for assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly process complexityVSAvoidsurgeon assembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver assembly incorporates self-aligning features and intuitive connection mechanisms that enable the surgeon to assemble the components without requiring specialized tools or extensive training. The modular design with standardized interfaces allows for straightforward assembly while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If traditional receiver assemblies are used, then device complexity is maintained at standard levels, but adaptability deteriorates because different receiver and fasteners are needed at different locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereceiver assembly structureVSAvoidreceiver alignment options
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver assembly incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that allow dynamic adaptation to different anatomical locations. The modular design enables the surgeon to adjust receiver orientations and fastener configurations based on specific surgical requirements while maintaining a standardized base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240423679A1Modular bone fastener assemblies with biased angle receivers
Publication Date: 2024.12.26 ORTHOFIX US LLC
  • US20240423679A1 patent drawing
  • US20240423679A1 patent drawing
  • US20240423679A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Devices, systems, and methods relating to biased angle receivers for modular pedicle screw assemblies are described herein. The receiver may include a body and a retainer. The body may be configured to be coupled to a bone fastener and a rod for spinal stabilization. The body may also include a base defining an opening from a top end to a bottom end of the base and having a bottom axis at the bottom end of the base. The bottom axis may be obliquely angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body. A chamber may be defined within the base and be in communication with the opening. A retainer may be disposed in the chamber and may be configured to expand in an upper section of the chamber to receive a bulbous head of the bone fastener up through a bottom opening of the retainer.