Lateral Spinal Fixation Constructs with Modular Anchor Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spinal fixation systems lack versatility and efficiency in stabilizing vertebral segments, particularly in accommodating varying anatomical characteristics and treatment methods, necessitating improved systems for effective spinal stabilization and fusion.

Innovation Solution

The development of a vertebral fixation system comprising anchor assemblies with staple bodies, bone screws, and reducer instruments that allow for customizable fixation constructs, including dual screw-single rod and dual screw-dual rod configurations, optimized for lateral spinal stabilization, enabling adjustable fixation to suit different spinal levels and anatomical conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixation systems use standard configurations, then the system is simple to manufacture, but it lacks adaptability to varying anatomical characteristics and treatment methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to anatomical characteristicsVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation system is divided into separate modular components including anchor assemblies, rods, and connectors that can be independently selected and combined. Each anchor assembly can be configured with different bone anchors, rod configurations, and connection elements to match specific anatomical requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized modular interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs universal components that can serve multiple functions and configurations. The anchor assemblies and connectors are designed with standardized interfaces that allow the same basic components to be used across different anatomical locations and treatment scenarios, providing adaptability without requiring entirely different system configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixation systems are customized for each procedure, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and surgical time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomizability for specific proceduresVSAvoidsurgical assembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Anchor assemblies are pre-configured with specific rod configurations, connector types, and component arrangements during manufacturing based on anticipated surgical requirements. This preliminary preparation allows the system to be adapted to specific procedures without requiring complex intraoperative assembly, reducing surgical time while maintaining customizability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow modification during surgery without requiring complete disassembly or complex reconstruction. Dynamic adjustment capabilities enable surgeons to optimize the fixation configuration for specific anatomical conditions while minimizing assembly time through intuitive adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8992579B1Lateral fixation constructs and related methods
Publication Date: 2015.03.31 NUVASIVE INC
  • US8992579B1 patent drawing
  • US8992579B1 patent drawing
  • US8992579B1 patent drawing

AI summary

This disclosure describes a several examples of a surgical fixation system including a plurality of anchor assemblies connected by one or more spinal rods. The anchor assemblies include a staple, bone anchor, staple cap, and lock nut. The surgical fixation system is configured for implantation on a lateral aspect of the spine.