Spinal Bone Anchor Head Clamp for Controlled Rod Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fixation procedures using pedicle screws and rod-based assemblies lack flexibility in adjusting the pivotal movement patterns of connecting rods, which can be limiting in addressing diverse patient anatomies and surgical needs.
Innovation Solution
A bone securing system with interchangeable head clamps that allow for different pivotal movement patterns, including monoaxial, polyaxial, and uniaxial configurations, enabling secure attachment of rods to bones while allowing controlled pivoting movements based on specific surgical requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid connecting rods are used in spinal fixation, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to diverse patient anatomies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the connecting rod to pivot relative to the bone anchor assembly through a head clamp mechanism. The rod can be positioned at different angles and secured at multiple positions along its length, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the system to adapt to diverse patient anatomies while maintaining structural stability when secured.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing modification of the rod's angular orientation and positional parameters relative to the bone anchor. The head clamp mechanism enables changing these parameters during surgery to match patient-specific anatomy, then locking them to maintain stability. The system transitions from fixed parameters to adjustable parameters.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed-angle bone anchor assemblies are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but surgical flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchor assembly incorporates a dynamic head clamp mechanism that allows angular adjustment during surgery. The clamp can be positioned at different angles relative to the rod and secured at multiple positions, enabling surgical flexibility while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for the individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the bone anchor assembly into separable components including the rod, head clamp, and bone anchor, allowing each to be manufactured independently with standardized interfaces. This segmentation enables modular assembly with adjustable angles while keeping individual component manufacturing simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interchangeable head clamps are used to achieve different pivotal movement patterns, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head clamp mechanism is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different rod configurations and pivotal movement patterns through a single standardized interface. The same basic clamp design can achieve monoaxial, polyaxial, or uniaxial movement patterns by adjusting its position and orientation, eliminating the need for multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The head clamp provides dynamic adjustability through multiple engagement positions along the rod, allowing the same component to achieve different pivotal movement patterns (monoaxial, polyaxial, uniaxial) based on surgical requirements. This dynamic capability replaces what would otherwise require multiple interchangeable components.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone shank can include a shank head and an extension extending from the shank head. The shank head can include an engaging surface that faces away from the extension. A head assembly can be designed to secure the shank head to a rod. The head assembly can include an engaging surface that is shaped and positioned to engage the engaging surface of the shank head to limit pivotal movement of the shank relative to the engaging surface of the head assembly, but to allow some pivotal movement of the shank relative to the engaging surface of the head assembly. The engaging surface of the head assembly can be an engaging surface of a head clamp in an assembly head of the head assembly. The engaging surface of the head clamp may face distally toward the shank head while the clamp is positioned in the assembly head.