Bottom-Loading Orthopedic Fixation Device for Simplified Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic fixation devices require top-loading of bone fasteners, which limits the use of larger fasteners and excludes bone hooks, and necessitates increasing the size of the tulip element, complicating surgical procedures and increasing inventory needs.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic fixation device that allows bottom-loading of bone fasteners, using a coupling element with a bore and a locking clamp assembly that includes a clamp element and a wedge element, enabling angulation of the bone fastener and reducing the need for larger tulip elements, thus accommodating various sizes and allowing for easier surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If top-loading design is used, then bone fastener can be inserted through the tulip element, but the inner bore of the tulip element must be larger than the combined size of the bone fastener head and clamp element or the bone fastener diameter, requiring multiple sizes of tulip elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional top-loading approach by implementing bottom-loading, where the bone fastener is inserted from the bottom of the tulip element rather than from the top. This allows the fastener to be loaded after the tulip element is positioned, eliminating the need for a large inner bore and reducing the number of tulip element sizes required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the insertion process into separate steps: first inserting the tulip element, then loading the bone fastener from the bottom. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the tulip element having a smaller, standardized bore while accommodating various fastener sizes through the bottom-loading mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If top-loading design is used, then bone fastener can be secured with clamp element, but bone hooks cannot be used as they will generally not pass through the tulip element
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the loading direction from top to bottom, the patent enables bone hooks to be used. The bottom-loading approach allows hooks to be engaged with the bone first, then the tulip element is positioned and secured, eliminating the constraint that prevented hook usage in top-loading designs.
3Reliability
If top-loading design is used, then bone fastener must be installed in the bone while attached to the tulip element, but this complicates surgical procedures and increases inventory needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the installation process into distinct phases: positioning the tulip element, then loading the bone fastener from the bottom. This allows site preparation and pedicle decortication to be performed after fastener placement, improving surgical workflow efficiency and reducing the need for multiple pre-configured fastener sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installing the same. The orthopedic fixation device may include a coupling element and a bone fastener, whereby the bone fastener can be loaded into the coupling element through the bottom of a bore in the coupling element. A retaining clip disposed below the fastener in an annular channel of the coupling element has an inner diameter which is less than a maximum diameter of the head of the bone fastener.