Cervical Plate Rotatable Lock Multi-Directional Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cervical plate systems face challenges in minimizing movement of bone fixation elements post-insertion, particularly vertical movement, due to gaps between the bone fixation element head and locking plate, and lack of prevention for horizontal, lateral, or rotational movement.
Innovation Solution
A cervical plate system with a fixation plate and a sliding locking plate that includes a rotatable lock to secure the bone fixation element, preventing axial movement by engaging the lock with the element's head or shank, thereby minimizing movement in all directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a locking plate covers the head of the bone fixation element to prevent vertical movement, then vertical backing out is reduced, but gaps may remain between the head and locking plate allowing movement, and other directional movements (horizontal, lateral, rotational) are not prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a locking plate for vertical coverage and a rotatable lock for multi-directional constraint. This segmentation allows each component to address specific movement directions independently, resolving the contradiction between vertical stability and complete movement prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-plane locking approach (locking plate covering the head) to a multi-dimensional constraint system by adding a rotatable lock that engages with the bone fixation element at multiple points, preventing movement in vertical, horizontal, lateral, and rotational directions simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking plate is used to cover the bone fixation element head, then vertical movement is limited, but the structure becomes more complex and does not fully prevent backing out in all directions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate and rotatable lock are merged into a single integrated locking assembly that works together synergistically. The locking plate provides vertical coverage while the rotatable lock adds multi-directional constraint, combining the benefits of both components without requiring separate independent mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable lock serves multiple functions: it prevents vertical movement, horizontal movement, lateral movement, and rotational movement of the bone fixation element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate locking components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while improving stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If gaps exist between the bone fixation element head and locking plate, then assembly is easier, but vertical movement and backing out occur
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate is designed with a recess that preliminarily receives the bone fixation element head, and the rotatable lock is pre-configured to engage with the element. This preliminary arrangement ensures proper positioning and eliminates gaps before the final locking action, achieving both ease of assembly and stable fixation simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A cervical plate system (1) and method for use in the fixation of a spine comprising a fixation plate (2) having an aperture (3) extending from a top surface (5) to a bottom surface (19) and dimensioned for admitting at least a portion of a bone fixation element (4) shank (15) therethrough, a slot (7) extending into the bottom surface (19), and a lock (11) affixed adjacent the fixation plate bottom surface (19) for rotation relative to the fixation plate (2).