Laminar Fixation Clamp with Clam-Shell Pivot for Spine Rod Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laminar fixation implants for the spine are often cumbersome and difficult to use effectively, especially in cases where vertebral bone screw assemblies are not feasible due to complex anatomies or poor vertebral bone quality.
Innovation Solution
A laminar fixation clamp with a clam-shell style pivot controlled by a set screw, which attaches to a spine rod and receives a laminar fixation band that loops around the vertebra, providing a secure and efficient connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional laminar fixation implants are used, then spinal fixation can be achieved, but the implants are cumbersome and difficult to use effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is divided into two separate components: a first component with a first clamping surface and a second component with a second clamping surface. These components can be assembled together to form the complete clamp, allowing for easier handling and installation while maintaining structural integrity. The segmentation enables the clamp to be more manageable during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
A band is introduced as an intermediary element that wraps around the laminar structure of the vertebra. The band connects the clamp to the vertebra, providing a secure attachment mechanism. This intermediary component simplifies the overall installation process by separating the clamping function from the attachment function, making the system easier to operate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vertebral bone screw assemblies are used, then spinal fixation can be achieved, but they cannot be used in cases of complex anatomies or poor vertebral bone quality
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with a universal application approach, providing an alternative fixation method that can be used across various anatomical conditions. By utilizing the laminar structure of the vertebra rather than relying on bone screws, the clamp becomes applicable to patients with complex anatomies or poor bone quality, expanding its versatility while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The band serves as an intermediary that distributes forces across the laminar structure, providing reliable attachment without requiring insertion into the vertebral bone. This approach bypasses the limitations of bone screw assemblies in poor bone quality cases while maintaining secure fixation through the resilient laminar structure.
3Reliability
If a secure connection is provided between spine rod and vertebra, then fixation reliability is improved, but the implant becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two components that can be assembled together, with each component having a specific function. The first component provides one clamping surface while the second component provides the opposing clamping surface. This segmentation allows for a secure connection through the clamping action on the spine rod while keeping the individual components simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping surfaces are specifically designed with appropriate friction characteristics and geometric features to provide secure engagement with the spine rod. The local quality of these surfaces ensures reliable fixation at the critical contact points while the rest of the clamp structure remains simple and easy to install.
Data Source
AI summary
A laminar fixation clamp has a body that utilizes a clam-shell style pivot controlled by a set screw, to grasp and attach to a spine rod, while receiving a laminar fixation band that can loop around a lamina of a vertebra in order to hold the laminar fixation clamp onto the vertebra. One form comprises a two-piece structure while another form comprises a single-piece structure. In each case, an upper and lower clamping structure situated at a front of the laminar fixation clamp, is received over and onto the spine rod, while a laminar fixation band is received through clamp. The set screw controls the amount of pivoting and thus the clamping force exerted onto the spine rod.