Elastic Clamp Structure for Anti-Disengagement Spinal Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization devices, particularly spinal hooks, risk disengagement post-surgery, necessitating additional surgical interventions.
Innovation Solution
The use of elastic members, such as elastic bands, to secure clamps to bone members, reducing the risk of post-surgical disengagement by incorporating them into spinal stabilization systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spinal hooks are used for stabilization, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to disengagement risk
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is nested within the clamp structure, with the set screw positioned to compress the elastic member against the rod. This nested arrangement allows the elastic member to be contained within the clamp while still providing the necessary stabilizing force, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary element between the set screw and the rod. Instead of the set screw directly contacting the rod, the elastic member mediates the force transmission, providing reliable stabilization while simplifying the overall clamp design. This intermediary mechanism resolves the technical contradiction by achieving both reliability and reduced complexity.
2Reliability
If additional securing mechanisms are added to prevent disengagement, then the reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member provides self-service by automatically maintaining constant contact with the rod through its elastic properties. Once installed, the elastic member continuously exerts stabilizing force without requiring additional active components or complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If elastic members are incorporated into the clamp, then the reliability improves by preventing disengagement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is positioned locally at the critical interface between the clamp and the rod, where it is needed most for preventing disengagement. This localized application of the elastic member provides maximum reliability benefit with minimal addition to overall device complexity, as the elastic member is integrated into the existing clamp structure rather than adding separate components.
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 elastic members effectively secure clamps to bone, minimizing the risk of post-surgical disengagement and reducing the need for additional surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member received in the second opening of the clamp, wherein the elastic member is configured to be in contact with the elongate rod received in the clamp
Data Source
AI summary
The present application generally relates to orthopedic stabilization systems, and in particular, to systems including clamps. The clamps can be used in addition to or to replace hooks that grasp onto bone members, such as the lamina. One example of such a clamp is an in-line clamp that includes a central opening for receiving a rod member, a first opening for receiving a set screw and a second opening for receiving an elastic member therethrough. Another example of such a clamp is an off-set clamp that includes an upper plate, a bottom plate, and an opening for receiving a rod therein. The upper plate can be separated from the bottom plate to make space for an elastic member that can be secured within the plates. Tulip clamps that utilize one or more elastic members are also provided.