Modular Orthopedic Screw and Tulip Head Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic fixation devices, such as pedicle screws, lack improved designs for screws, instruments for implantation, and enhanced methods for placement and assembly, which are necessary for more effective spinal stabilization.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular orthopedic fixation assemblies that include a modular screw, a tulip head assembly, and a threaded locking cap, which can be installed separately and assembled during surgery, along with screw extender instruments and navigation methods for precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a modular screw and tulip head assembly are installed separately and assembled during surgery, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone fastener is divided into separate modular components: a screw with drive recess and a tulip head assembly that can be installed independently and assembled during surgery. This segmentation allows for easier surgical procedures and adaptability while managing complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive recess in the screw head is designed to accommodate multiple types of drive tools and the tulip head assembly, creating a universal interface that improves ease of operation and adaptability across different surgical scenarios while maintaining a manageable device complexity through standardized design.
2Manufacturing precision
If navigation methods and robotic systems are used for screw placement, then manufacturing precision and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical alignment methods are replaced with navigation systems and robotic assistance that use optical tracking, sensors, and computer-controlled positioning. This substitution dramatically improves manufacturing and measurement precision while the modular design helps manage the resulting system complexity.
3Reliability
If ball bearings are used to secure the screw extender instrument to the screw head, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball bearings automatically engage with the drive recess under their own weight and the applied load, securing the screw extender instrument to the screw head without requiring additional fastening mechanisms. This self-service mechanism improves reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Modular orthopedic implants, associated instruments, and navigation methods. The modular orthopedic fixation assembly may include a modular bone fastener and a modular tulip head configured to be installed separately. The modular bone fastener may be installed and tracked with a screw extender instrument having an outer sleeve and an inner shaft coupled to the bone fastener. The screw extender instrument may continue to track the location and orientation of the bone throughout the surgical procedure for navigational integrity. The modular tulip head may be assembled to the bone fastener with a head inserter instrument, which ensures the modular head is properly seated on the installed bone fastener.