Modular Spinal Fixation with Adjustable Pedicle Screws
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fixation systems are limited in their ability to accommodate custom configurations and are not well-suited for minimally invasive procedures, often requiring significant tissue disruption and multiple instruments for compression and distraction.
Innovation Solution
A modular spinal fixation system featuring pedicle screws with adjustable axes and elongated connecting members with shaped ends, allowing for 'instrument-free' compression and distraction, and a minimally disruptive introduction system that includes a guide assembly and various instruments for small incision access and EMG-based integrity testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spinal fixation systems are used, then fixation stability is achieved, but tissue disruption and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal fixation system is divided into separate modular components: pedicle screws with adjustable axes and elongated connecting members. This segmentation allows for customized configurations that can be precisely fitted to individual patient anatomy, achieving stable fixation while minimizing tissue disruption through percutaneous insertion via guide assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide assembly acts as an intermediary tool during the implantation process. It facilitates the minimally invasive introduction of pedicle screws and connecting members through small incisions, enabling precise placement while reducing direct tissue disruption and eliminating the need for extensive surgical exposure.
2Reliability
If traditional fixation systems are used, then fixation is achieved, but the number of instruments and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pedicle screws are designed with adjustable axes that can be rotated to various angles, allowing a single screw component to serve multiple fixation orientations. The elongated connecting members can be inserted through the guide assembly and engaged with multiple pedicle screws, providing multi-level fixation with a reduced set of instrument types compared to traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable axis mechanism in the pedicle screws introduces dynamic adaptability, allowing the fixation configuration to be adjusted during surgery to match patient-specific anatomical requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability reduces the need for multiple specialized instruments, as a single adjustable component can accommodate various fixation scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If percutaneous procedures are used, then minimally invasive access is achieved, but the precision and control of instrument placement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly serves as a precision intermediary that bridges the minimally invasive access requirement with accurate instrument placement. It provides a controlled pathway through which pedicle screws and connecting members can be introduced, ensuring precise positioning while maintaining percutaneous access through small incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide assembly is inserted and positioned preliminarily before the actual implantation of pedicle screws and connecting members. This preliminary placement establishes a precise reference framework that guides subsequent instrument insertion, ensuring accuracy while maintaining the minimally invasive approach through small incisions.
Data Source
AI summary
This application describes a spinal fixation system. The spinal fixation system includes at least a rod member having shaped ends, at least two pedicle screws capable of receiving the shaped ends of the rod member, and a system for introducing the rod member and pedicle screws in a minimally invasive fashion.