Bone Anchor Receiver Tool Features for Dynamic Spinal Rod Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal stabilization systems face challenges in providing dynamic, flexible, and elastic connecting members that allow for natural spinal movement while maintaining stability, and there is a need for assemblies that can transition between rigid and dynamic support along the spine, including fusion options.
Innovation Solution
A longitudinal connecting member assembly comprising a rigid portion and an elastomeric portion connected by a transition segment, surrounded by a protective sleeve, allowing for dynamic movement and adjustable tension, suitable for various bone anchors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid longitudinal connecting members are used to provide stable spinal support, then stability and strength are improved, but flexibility and ability to allow natural spinal movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member is divided into multiple segments including rigid portions and flexible portions. The rigid portions provide structural stability and strength, while the flexible portions allow natural spinal movement and elastic deformation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing different functional requirements to different segments of the same component.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the connecting member have different mechanical properties - some portions are rigid while others are flexible. This local differentiation of material properties allows the connecting member to simultaneously provide stability where needed and flexibility where needed, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fusion is performed to permanently immobilize vertebrae, then long-term stability is improved, but loss of natural spinal motion and increased surgical complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member transitions from a static, fully rigid structure to a dynamic structure with flexible portions that can elastically deform. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain long-term stability through elastic support rather than permanent fusion, reducing surgical complexity while maintaining stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible cord or strand systems are used to allow spinal movement, then adaptability and natural motion are improved, but strength and rigid support deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member is segmented into rigid portions and flexible portions. The rigid portions provide the necessary strength and rigid support, while the flexible portions enable natural spinal motion and adaptability. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both strength and flexibility that neither pure cord systems nor pure rigid rods can achieve alone.
4Ease of manufacture
If uniform rigid connecting members are used throughout the spine, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ability to provide both dynamic and rigid support at different locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member is designed as a segmented structure with both rigid and flexible portions integrated into a single component. This segmentation allows the manufacturer to produce a standardized component that can be used throughout the spine, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while providing variable support capabilities at different locations through the different segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented connecting member serves multiple functions - providing both rigid support and flexible support within a single component design. This multi-functionality allows a single standardized component to be used throughout the spine, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving adaptability at different locations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The assembly provides dynamic spinal stabilization with protected motion, allowing for both rigid and flexible sections, reducing the risk of implant failure and enabling smaller, more compact designs with enhanced stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric portion (7)
Data Source
AI summary
A bone anchor includes a bone attachment structure and a receiver, with the receiver having a base portion and an upper portion defining a channel for receiving an elongate rod. The channel extends outwardly onto front and back faces of the receiver having opposite parallel-extending front and back planar surface portions formed thereon. The upper portion of the receiver also includes outside surfaces with horizontal tool engagement grooves spaced below top surfaces of the receiver and having downwardly-facing upper groove surfaces and upwardly-facing lower groove surfaces that extend between and to the front and back planar surface portions of the receiver. The upper portion further includes a vertical tool engagement passage formed into each outside surface that extends between the top surface down through to at least the upper groove surface of each horizontal tool engagement groove.