Dynamic Cervical Plate With Dove-Tail Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed spinal plates resist the natural subsidence of the spinal column after surgery, leading to stress and discomfort, and adjustable plates often require additional surgical procedures for adjustment, while bone screws tend to back out due to torsion and bending motions, causing further issues.
Innovation Solution
A cervical bone plate with movable segments that adjust automatically in response to subsidence, featuring a dove-tail mechanism for length adjustment and inserts to prevent screw backout, allowing for constant loading of the bone graft without additional surgical interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fixed cervical plates are used, then the plate provides stable fixation and support, but the plate resists natural subsidence and causes stress and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The cervical plate incorporates a dynamic length adjustment mechanism that allows the plate to automatically shorten in response to spinal subsidence. The plate includes adjustable segments that can be repositioned along the longitudinal axis to accommodate changes in spinal column length, thereby maintaining stable fixation while eliminating stress and discomfort caused by fixed-length plates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable cervical plates are used, then the plate can accommodate subsidence, but additional surgical procedures are required for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is designed with pre-configured adjustment capabilities that allow for length modification during the initial surgical procedure. The adjustment mechanism includes features such as movable segments and locking interfaces that can be configured intraoperatively to match the expected subsidence, eliminating the need for subsequent surgical interventions.
3Strength
If bone screws are used for fixation, then the plate provides secure attachment to vertebrae, but screws tend to back out due to torsion and bending motions
Solution Approach 1:
The plate incorporates protective features such as recessed screw holes, countersunk surfaces, or friction-fit interfaces that prevent screw backout before it occurs. These design elements accommodate the forces of torsion and bending by providing mechanical constraints that keep screw heads seated against the plate surface, thereby maintaining reliable fixation throughout the healing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal plate that is self-adjusting along its longitudinal axis to accommodate subsidence that may occur and aid in loading the bone graft to promote boney fusion while providing rigid fixation. The spinal plate is configured to inhibit loosening or backing out of bone screws.