Cervical Spine Fixation Plate With Nested Rotating Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cervical spine fixation apparatuses face issues where the locking mechanism can become loose or get damaged due to patient movement, with existing solutions being inconvenient for rivet coupling and prone to external damage.
Innovation Solution
A cervical spine fixation apparatus featuring a plate with screw insertion holes and a rotatable locking part that includes a vertical and horizontal component with fixing wings, allowing for secure seating within a stepped part to prevent screw deviation and damage, facilitated by a rotation tool for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to prevent screw deviation, then screw fixation reliability is improved, but the locking part may become caught and damaged due to patient movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking part is nested within the stepped part structure of the plate, with the horizontal part fitting into the rotation area and the vertical part inserted into the locking part insertion hole. This nesting configuration ensures the locking part remains contained within the plate structure, preventing it from becoming caught or damaged by external factors while maintaining its locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking part utilizes rotational movement within a confined three-dimensional space defined by the stepped part. By transitioning from linear movement to rotational movement within the rotation area, the locking mechanism achieves reliable screw fixation without requiring the locking part to extend outward, thereby preventing damage from patient movement.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to prevent screw deviation, then screw fixation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the vertical part for insertion and locking engagement, the horizontal part for rotational locking action, and the fixing wings for securing the screw. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity of the entire locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking part employs dynamic rotational movement within the stepped part to achieve locking and unlocking functions. The rotation area allows the horizontal part to rotate and engage with the screw, providing a simple yet effective dynamic locking mechanism that avoids complex mechanical structures.
3Ease of operation
If a rotatable locking part is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the locking part may deviate from the plate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking part is nested within the stepped part structure, with the horizontal part fitting into the rotation area and the vertical part inserted into the locking part insertion hole. This nested configuration provides stable positioning that prevents deviation during rotation while maintaining ease of operational access.
Solution Approach 2:
The stepped part structure is pre-formed in the plate to provide a predetermined rotation area and insertion hole. This preliminary preparation ensures that the locking part has a defined path and confined space for rotation, preventing deviation while allowing smooth operational movement.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for fixing a cervical spine. The apparatus for fixing a cervical spine includes a plate in which a plurality of screw insertion holes is formed, bone screws inserted into the screw insertion holes and screwed onto a bone fragment through rotation, and a locking part rotatably coupled to the plate to open or close a top of the screw insertion hole. A stepped part of a specific depth is formed on top of the plate. The stepped part includes a rotation area in which the locking part is capable of rotating. A locking part insertion hole is formed in the rotation area so that the locking part is inserted into locking part insertion hole.