Cervical Plate Rotating Element for Screw Backout Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cervical plate systems face challenges with screw backout and thread stripping due to lack of precise locking mechanisms and difficulty in determining screw seating depth during implantation, which can lead to instability and injury.
Innovation Solution
A cervical plate system with rotating elements that match the bone screw threads, providing automatic locking and preventing screw backout, while minimizing thread stripping by ensuring exact thread engagement and allowing for flexible rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple plates and screws are used without locking mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of screw fixation deteriorates due to potential screw backout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and the plate into a single integrated structure. The locking element is built into the plate body as an inherent feature rather than a separate component, eliminating the need for additional locking screws or separate locking devices while maintaining secure screw fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate structure automatically provides locking functionality through its integrated design. The locking element within the plate self-activates to prevent screw backout without requiring separate locking actions or additional components, making the system self-sufficient.
2Device complexity
If manual screw insertion is used without drill guides, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of screw trajectory deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces drill guides as intermediary components that facilitate precise screw insertion. The drill guides serve as mediating tools between the surgeon and the bone, providing accurate trajectory control while maintaining relative simplicity of the overall system.
3Reliability
If locking mechanisms are added to prevent screw backout, then the reliability of screw fixation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the plate structure itself. The locking element is formed as an integral part of the plate body, combining the plate and locking functions into a single component rather than using separate locking devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from complex separate locking mechanisms and incorporates it directly into the plate structure, eliminating unnecessary components while retaining the critical screw-backout prevention capability.
4Reliability
If tiny locking components are used to prevent screw backout, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in manipulation during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the locking function into the plate structure, the system eliminates tiny separate locking components that are difficult to manipulate. The integrated locking element is operated through the plate's existing structure, improving surgical ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cervical plate system which includes a cervical plate having a thickness between a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, and at least one slot extending through the thickness of the plate. The system further includes a first rotating element positionable within a first slot of the cervical plate, the first rotating element including at least one threaded hole, and at least one bone screw insertable into the at least one threaded hole of the first rotating element.