Conformable Ligature Bone Fixation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bone fixing systems, such as screw and rod systems, pose risks to the spinal cord during insertion and may not provide sufficient purchase in vertebrae with small or deteriorated pedicles, while hook and rod systems increase the risk of damaging the spinal cord and may not hold bones securely.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixing system utilizing a conformable ligature with a loop portion and a blocking body that creates a friction force to hold bones in place, allowing for tensioning without the need for screws or hooks, which can be used in minimally invasive surgery to correct spinal curvatures and other orthopedic issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hooks are inserted into the spinal canal to hold vertebrae, then the vertebrae can be held in relative position, but the risk of damaging the spinal cord increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hooks from the spinal canal environment entirely, extracting the harmful element while preserving the fixation function. The ligature system attaches to vertebrae through pedicle screws and external fixation points rather than intracanalicular hooks, eliminating direct contact with the spinal cord while maintaining vertebral stabilization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ligature as an intermediary element that connects vertebrae without requiring direct insertion into the spinal canal. The ligature acts as a mediator that provides mechanical connection and stabilization while keeping all insertion points (pedicle screws) outside the vulnerable spinal cord region, thus resolving the contradiction between effective fixation and spinal cord safety
2Stability of the object's composition
If screws are inserted into the pedicles to fix vertebrae, then the vertebrae can be held in fixed position, but the screws may not provide sufficient purchase in small or deteriorated pedicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal fixation system where the ligature can accommodate various vertebral conditions. The system works whether pedicles are healthy or deteriorated, whether bones are soft or hard, and whether significant curvature correction is needed or minimal adjustment is required. The ligature's flexibility and adjustability make the system universally applicable across different clinical scenarios that screw-only systems cannot address
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the fixation system by using a flexible, tensionable ligature instead of rigid screws. The ligature can be adjusted in tension, length, and positioning to optimize fixation for each patient's specific anatomy and condition. This parameter adjustability allows the system to provide reliable fixation even when traditional screw purchase would be insufficient due to small or deteriorated pedicles
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a conformable ligature with blocking body is used to hold bones, then the risk of spinal cord damage is reduced, but the system complexity increases compared to traditional screw-rod systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fixation system into distinct functional components: pedicle screws for anchor points, a separate ligature for connection and tensioning, and blocking bodies for positioning control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the insertion process, as components can be placed sequentially without the complex interdependencies of traditional rod-hook systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively holds bones in a fixed relative position, reducing the risk of spinal cord damage and providing stable fixation without the need for invasive procedures, suitable for use in minimally invasive surgery to correct spinal curvatures and other orthopedic issues.
Implementation Method 1
the first surface of the compression member contacts the conformable ligature to create a friction force between the conformable ligature and the blocking body. The friction force is great enough to hold the conformable ligature in place without significant (or in some cases without any) movement relative to the blocking body.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fixing system useful for holding bone in position, and a method for installing the same are disclosed. The ends of a conformable ligature are passed around bones, bone grafts, tendons, plates, rods, fasteners, or other anatomical or implanted structures, and the like to form a loop extending from a first portion of a body. The ends of the conformable ligature are passed through the body and extend out a second portion of the body. The ends may be attached to a tensioning tool and a selected tension may be applied. A closure member may engage an engagement portion of the body to create a friction force to hold the conformable ligature in place without significant movement relative to the body.