Anterior Cervical Plate with Adjustable Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal surgical fusion techniques face challenges in stabilizing cervical vertebrae during the healing process, requiring precise immobilization and alignment while minimizing the number of components and allowing for customization to promote optimal fusion and bone healing.
Innovation Solution
The development of anterior cervical plating systems with adjustable plates and cross-linking elements, featuring elongated channels and apertures for screw attachment, enabling flexible placement and stabilization of vertebrae, and allowing for intraoperative customization to accommodate individual anatomical needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spinal fusion techniques are used with multiple fixed components, then stabilization of cervical vertebrae is achieved, but device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is designed with multiple apertures and elongated channels that can accommodate various screw configurations and positioning options, allowing a single component to serve multiple stabilization functions rather than requiring separate specialized components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The plate incorporates distinct functional zones including apertures for direct screw attachment and elongated channels for adjustable screw placement, dividing the stabilization function into modular segments that can be independently configured based on surgical needs
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed-position screw holes are used in plates, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to individual anatomical needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plate transitions from static fixed-position holes to dynamic elongated channels that allow screw positions to be adjusted along the channel length, enabling the plate to adapt to varying anatomical configurations while maintaining a standardized manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the plate serve different functions: fixed apertures for standardized attachment points and elongated channels for adjustable positioning, allowing the plate to provide both manufacturing simplicity and anatomical adaptability in different locations
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate components are used for vertebral stabilization, then precise positioning is achieved, but ease of operation during surgery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple positioning and stabilization functions are merged into a single plate structure that integrates apertures, elongated channels, and attachment features, reducing the number of separate components the surgeon must handle and assemble while maintaining precise alignment capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Anterior cervical instrumentation systems, methods, and devices are disclosed. Systems may facilitate immobilizing or providing support for the cervical portion of the vertebral column of a patient. A device may comprise a plate having two channels located in a proximal to distal direction, and may further comprise at least one aperture. The device may further comprise attachment elements such as attachment cross-links and spacer cross-links, and fasteners. The plate and the attachment elements may be secured to the vertebrae by passing fasteners through apertures and channels. The length of the plate, position and number of the attachment cross-links, position and number of spacer cross-links and degree of movement may be intraoperatively selected by the surgeon to provide an optimal application and procedural outcome. Uniform components of the devices and systems allow for a more streamlined and simplified method of treating spinal conditions.