Modular Spinal Implant with Biased Angle Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal surgical treatments, such as vertebral rod fixation, often require complex instrumentation and large inventory, and there is a need for improved bone fasteners that facilitate easier and more versatile attachment to vertebral members.
Innovation Solution
A modular spinal implant system with biased angle bone fasteners, including a receiver and shaft configuration that allows for a rotational range of motion from -11 to +41 degrees, enabling easy attachment and versatile fixation to vertebral tissue using a combination of top-loading and closed receivers, with features like snap-fit connections and frangible welds for secure assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex instrumentation and large inventory are used for vertebral rod fixation, then reliability of fixation is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is designed with multiple functional capabilities: it can be inserted into the vertebral body through a pedicle or transpedicular approach, accepts the shaft at various angles, and provides secure fixation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate instruments for different fixation approaches, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining fixation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The bone fastener is divided into distinct modular components: a receiver portion that engages with vertebral tissue and a shaft portion that extends outward for rod attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall instrumentation needed for implantation
2Stability of the object's composition
If complex instrumentation is used for vertebral rod fixation, then fixation stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver and shaft are designed with pre-configured geometric features including angled cavities and complementary surfaces that automatically align during insertion. The shaft is pre-formed with the correct angulation relative to the receiver, eliminating the need for intraoperative bending or complex alignment maneuvers, thereby simplifying the surgical procedure while ensuring stable fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the connection between the vertebral body and the external rod. It provides a standardized interface that accepts the shaft and transmits loads efficiently, making the overall fixation system easier to operate while maintaining stability
3Adaptability or versatility
If large inventory is maintained for spinal implants, then adaptability to different spinal disorders is improved, but device complexity and inventory management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bone fastener design provides universal applicability across different spinal disorders and anatomical locations. The receiver can be inserted through various approaches (pedicular, transpedicular) and the shaft can be oriented at different angles, allowing a single implant type to address multiple clinical scenarios, thereby reducing inventory requirements while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic angulation capabilities where the shaft can be positioned at various angles relative to the receiver based on surgical requirements. This dynamic adjustability within a standardized platform provides versatility for different spinal conditions without requiring multiple specialized implant types
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal construct includes a first member made of a first material. The first member includes a proximal portion defining a first cavity and a distal portion defining a second cavity disposed at an angle relative to the first cavity. The distal portion is configured for connecting with a second member with the second member being configured for fixation with vertebral tissue. The spinal construct further includes a crown defining a first opening aligned with the first cavity and a second opening aligned with the second cavity and a first ring that is provided at an interface between the first member and the crown. The crown and the first ring are made of a second material that is incompatible with the first material for welding purposes. At least one or more spot welds are provided at an interface between the crown and the first ring.