Bone Anchor Coupling Structure for Polyaxial and Monoplanar Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone anchoring devices lack a simple structure that can be modularly configured for both polyaxial and monoplanar functionalities, limiting surgical flexibility and increasing manufacturing and inventory costs.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a receiving part and locking member that allows interchangeable use with different bone anchors, enabling either polyaxial or monoplanar configurations by adjusting the locking member's position, and manufactured using additive methods for complex shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate coupling devices are designed for polyaxial and monoplanar functionalities, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed with a universal receiving part that can accommodate different types of bone anchors (polyaxial and monoplanar) through a standardized interface. The receiving part includes a head receiving portion with an accommodation space that can pivotably receive various bone anchor heads, and a rod receiving portion for receiving the rod. By using a single coupling device design that can be configured for different functionalities through the selection and arrangement of bone anchors, the patent reduces the number of parts while maintaining both polyaxial and monoplanar capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized coupling devices are manufactured and stocked, then surgical options are maximized, but manufacturing and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal coupling device with standardized receiving parts that can work with different bone anchor types. The receiving part includes a head receiving portion with an accommodation space that pivotably receives bone anchor heads, and a rod receiving portion. This universal design allows the same coupling device to be used for both polyaxial and monoplanar configurations, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock separate specialized devices for each function, thereby reducing manufacturing and inventory costs while maintaining surgical flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is segmented into distinct functional components: a receiving part with a head receiving portion and a rod receiving portion. This segmentation allows for modular assembly where different bone anchors can be selectively combined with the standardized receiving part. The head receiving portion can pivotably receive different types of bone anchor heads, and the rod receiving portion can receive the rod, enabling flexible configuration without requiring complete separate devices for each function.
3Device complexity
If a simple structure with few parts is used, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but the ability to provide both polyaxial and monoplanar functionalities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device employs a simple yet universal structure consisting of a receiving part with a head receiving portion and a rod receiving portion. The head receiving portion includes an accommodation space that can pivotably receive different types of bone anchor heads. This simple universal structure enables both polyaxial and monoplanar functionalities through the selective use and arrangement of bone anchors, achieving functional configurability without increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device incorporates dynamic capability through the pivotable reception of bone anchor heads in the accommodation space. The head receiving portion is designed to allow pivoting motion, enabling the bone anchor shank to assume multiple angular positions relative to the central axis of the receiving part. This dynamic feature is achieved through the geometric design of the accommodation space and the interaction between the bone anchor head and the receiving structure, without requiring complex mechanical components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling device is provided for coupling a rod to a to a first bone anchor (1) of a first type or to a second bone anchor (1') of a second type, the coupling device (10) comprising a receiving part (5) having a first end (5a), an opposite second end (5b) and a central axis (C) extending through the first end and the second end, the receiving part comprising a rod receiving portion (51) for receiving the rod (100), and a head receiving portion (52), wherein the head receiving portion (52) comprises an accommodation space (54) for pivotably receiving a head (3) of the first bone anchor (1) or the second bone anchor (1') such that a shank (2) of the first or the second bone anchor can assume a plurality of angular positions relative to the central axis (C), a locking member (6) positionable at least partially around the head receiving portion (52) and movable between at least a first position in which the head is pivotable and a second position in which the head is locked in the accommodation space (54); wherein the head receiving portion (52) comprises a restraining structure (150) by means of which the coupling device is configured to cooperate with the first bone anchor (1) such that the first bone anchor (1) is configured to pivot with respect to the central axis (C) in a single plane, or with the second bone anchor (1') such that the second bone anchor (1') is configured to pivot with respect to the pivot axis (C) in multiple planes when the locking member (6) is in the first position.