Flexible Tail Spinal Fixation Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spinal fixation devices, such as bone screws, face challenges in accurately and efficiently inserting screws into vertebrae while minimizing damage to the spinal cord and reducing the need for screw redirection.

Innovation Solution

A fixation device with a flexible tail and a tapered body, where the flexible tail can move from an initial aligned configuration to a deflected configuration when encountering a force, allowing for self-navigation through osseous tissue and improved insertion accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bone screw is inserted into a vertebra, then fixation is achieved, but the risk of damaging the spinal cord and nerve roots increases due to the narrow pedicle passage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidspinal cord damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation device incorporates a curved or angled body that follows the natural trajectory of the pedicle passage, allowing the device to navigate the narrow passage without requiring direct linear insertion that would risk damaging the spinal cord and nerve roots adjacent to the pedicle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes its orientation parameters along its length, with the body portion angled relative to the longitudinal axis to match the pedicle's trajectory, enabling safe passage through the narrow opening while maintaining fixation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a bone screw redirection is performed, then insertion accuracy is improved, but more bone is removed and fixation may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion accuracyVSAvoidbone loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation device is pre-formed with the correct curvature and orientation matching the desired insertion trajectory, eliminating the need for redirection operations that would require removing additional bone and compromising fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid fixation device is used, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to adapt to varying insertion angles and paths is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinsertion path adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation device is divided into distinct functional segments: a head portion for connection, a curved body portion for navigating the pedicle passage with inherent adaptability, and a threaded portion for secure fixation, allowing each segment to perform its specific function optimally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates a curved body portion that can flex or adapt to the natural trajectory variations in the pedicle passage while maintaining overall structural integrity and stability for reliable fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 fixation device enhances the efficiency and accuracy of inserting fixation devices into vertebrae, reduces the risk of damaging the spinal cord, and minimizes the need for screw redirection, thereby improving surgical outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible tail is movable from an initial configuration aligned with the central longitudinal axis to a deflected configuration that extends away from the central longitudinal axis when a force is applied to the flexible tail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The tapered body may include helical threads disposed on an outer surface thereof that taper distally towards the flexible tail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

applying a rotational force to a head of the fixation device to engage helical threads disposed on an outer surface of the tapered body with the osseous tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12207855B2Fixation device and method of using the same

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 VB SPINE LLC

AI summary

A fixation device includes a head, a tapered body coupled to the head and extending along a central longitudinal axis, and a flexible tail extending distally from the tapered body and defining a central bore therethrough. The flexible tail is movable from an initial configuration aligned with the central longitudinal axis to a deflected configuration that extends away from the central longitudinal axis when a force is applied to the flexible tail.