Integrated Spine Stabilization Rod with Segmented Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation systems lack adjustability to accommodate the contours of the spine, are complex, and fail to effectively distribute mechanical loads, leading to potential damage and protrusion issues.
Innovation Solution
A spine stabilization system with an integrated stabilization member featuring elongate rods and a connector portion that provides adjustable lateral spacing and fixed degrees of freedom, manufactured from materials like titanium alloy to enhance torsional strength, allowing for simplified installation and improved anatomical fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single connection body is used to prevent rod movement, then the rods are held in place, but the device cannot adapt to the contour of the spine and may cause damage to the vertebrae
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into multiple segments: a first connection body that interfaces with the first rod, a second connection body that interfaces with the second rod, and a connecting portion that links them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling both stable rod fixation and adaptation to spinal contours through relative movement between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion is designed to allow relative movement between the first and second connection bodies, transforming the device from a rigid structure to a dynamic one. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to the curved contour of the spine while maintaining secure rod fixation, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
2Force
If devices grip rods from the outer portion, then they hold the bars in place, but they cannot achieve the same degree of grip as inner area configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The connection bodies are designed to receive the rods from the inner area between the two rods rather than from the outer portion. This dimensional change in the approach direction allows the connection bodies to envelop the rods more effectively, achieving superior gripping force while maintaining a compact profile that simplifies installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two connecting bodies with small adjustability are provided, then adjustability is improved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second connection bodies are merged into a single integrated unit through the connecting portion, forming one cohesive device rather than two separate components. This merging provides adjustability for spacing between rods while reducing the total number of components and simplifying the overall device structure compared to using two independent connecting bodies.
4Reliability
If fixation systems are used to hold rods together, then movement is prevented, but the systems are complex and do not allow clearance of the vertebrae body
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential fixation function from complex multi-component systems and implements it through a simplified connection device consisting of two connection bodies and a connecting portion. This extracted design provides reliable spine stabilization while allowing clearance of the vertebrae body and eliminating the complexity of traditional fixation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Spine stabilization systems and integrated rods are disclosed. One spine stabilization system disclosed has at least four bone anchors and a stabilization member attached to the bone anchors. The stabilization member has first and second elongate portions interconnected by a connector portion. The first and second elongate members extend longitudinally and generally parallel to a central longitudinal axis and connector portion extends transverse to the central longitudinal axis from a first lateral end to a second lateral end. The connector portion is integrally connected to the first and second elongate portions such that there is no relative movement between the lateral ends and the respective elongate portion to which each end is attached.