Frangible Spinal Screw Extensions for Minimally Invasive Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques lack efficient devices and methods for introducing and removing spinal connectors with minimal tissue damage and reduced procedural time.
Innovation Solution
The development of a spinal implant and access device featuring a U-shaped receiver member, a bone-engaging member, and a frangible extension member that allows percutaneous delivery and removal of spinal connectors, with a removal tool for breaking the extension member from the spinal anchor, facilitating minimally invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional screw extensions are used in minimally invasive spinal surgery, then the spinal connector can be introduced percutaneously, but the extension requires assembly and disassembly procedures that increase procedural time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from a separate component and integrates it directly into the screw extension body. The recess with engagement features is formed directly in the extension, eliminating the need for separate caps or fasteners that would require assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the extension body and the fastening mechanism into a single integrated component. The recess with engagement features is formed as an integral part of the extension, combining what were previously separate functions (extension and fastening) into one unified structure that simplifies the procedure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive percutaneous delivery is used, then tissue damage is reduced, but the delivery path through skin to spinal anchor site requires an extension that complicates the device structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the extension member into distinct functional zones: a delivery portion for percutaneous insertion, a recess portion for receiving the spinal connector, and engagement features for securing the connector. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different structural characteristics at different locations of the extension. The delivery portion has features optimized for percutaneous insertion, while the recess portion has features optimized for connector reception and retention, allowing each region to perform its specific function efficiently.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the extension member is designed to remain in place permanently, then it provides continuous access, but it creates foreign body presence and potential complications requiring removal procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates frangible portions that are pre-designed to break at specific locations. These frangible portions allow the extension to be easily fractured and removed after the spinal connector is securely in place, enabling temporary access without permanent foreign body presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the extension member as a temporary access tool that is discarded after serving its purpose. The frangible portions enable easy fragmentation and removal of the extension, allowing the beneficial temporary access to be achieved without the long-term complications of permanent implantation.
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
Enables efficient and minimally invasive implantation and removal of spinal connectors, reducing tissue damage and procedural time by providing a pathway for tool delivery and manipulation outside the body, and eliminating the need for assembly and disassembly of conventional screw extensions.
Implementation Method 1
The frangible portion can be formed adjacent to the distal end... The frangible portion can be adapted to break when a predetermined force is applied thereto thereby allowing at least a portion of the extension member to be separated from the receiver member
Implementation Method 2
In one embodiment the bone-engaging member can be a threaded shank such as a bone screw
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides minimally invasive devices and methods for delivering a spinal connector to one or more spinal anchor sites in a patient's spinal column. In one embodiment, a spinal implant and access device is provided that includes a U-shaped receiver member, a bone-engaging member, and an extension member. The U-shaped receiver member can have a recess formed therein that is adapted to seat a spinal connector. The bone-engaging member can extend distally from the receiver member and it can be adapted to engage bone to thereby mate the receiver member to bone. The extension member can extend proximally from the receiver member and it can include a frangible portion formed thereon that is adapted to break when a predetermined force is applied thereto thereby allowing at least a portion of the extension member to be separated from the receiver member.