Modular Vertebral Stabilizer with Pre-Assembled Tie-Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertebral stabilizers require invasive open surgery for assembly, lack diagonal force transmission capability, and are cumbersome to convert between dynamic and static configurations without loosening implanted screws.
Innovation Solution
A modular vertebral stabilizer with pre-assembled components, including click engagement, threaded surfaces, and resilient tie-members, allowing for quick assembly and conversion between dynamic and static configurations without unscrewing, and enabling diagonal force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vertebral stabilizers are assembled directly on the spinal column using open surgery, then the stabilizer can be properly installed and secured, but the surgical invasiveness increases and operation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer components (heads, blocks, and tie-members) are pre-assembled into complete units before surgery. The screws are implanted in the vertebrae first, then the pre-assembled stabilizer units are attached to the screw heads externally, eliminating the need for complex intraoperative assembly and reducing surgical invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer is divided into separable components (heads, blocks, tie-members) that can be pre-assembled as modular units. This segmentation allows the components to be manufactured and assembled separately, then attached to the implanted screws without requiring open surgical exposure of the spinal column.
2Productivity
If the stabilizer uses simple connection methods, then the assembly is faster and less invasive, but the ability to transmit forces in diagonal directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The block component is designed with multiple through-holes that can accommodate tie-members in different orientations (longitudinal and diagonal directions). This universal design allows the same stabilizer unit to transmit forces in multiple directions, providing both simple assembly and enhanced mechanical strength for various surgical needs.
3Ease of manufacture
If the stabilizer is designed as a fixed configuration, then the manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but the ability to convert between dynamic and static configurations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer incorporates removable blocks that can be exchanged between different types (dynamic blocks with resilient tie-members and static blocks). The block can be removed from the heads and replaced with another block through the same connection interfaces, allowing conversion between dynamic and static configurations without requiring surgical removal of the screws or complex disassembly procedures.
4Reliability
If the tensioning cord is threaded through the spacing body during surgery, then the dynamic stabilizing function is achieved, but the surgical effort and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-member is pre-tensioned and secured between the heads and block before the assembly is attached to the implanted screws. This preliminary tensioning eliminates the need for time-consuming threading and tensioning procedures during surgery, while ensuring the dynamic stabilizing function is properly established.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces surgical invasiveness, simplifies assembly, and allows for efficient conversion between dynamic and static stabilizer configurations, minimizing operation time and improving surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient flexible tie-member, in particular, a wire, capable of bearing a predetermined tension
Implementation Method 2
a click engagement comprising resilient engagement means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Stabilizer (6) of the spinal column adapted to connect to each other at least two adjacent vertebrae (1 and 2) using flexible connection elements that allow for some limited motion to the vertebrae and/or stiff connection elements. The stabilizer (6) comprises an elongated block (7) of predetermined length having two ends operatively connected or compressed between the heads (11) of two screws (12) connected to adjacent vertebrae (1 and 2). The head (11) can be obtained separated from the screw (12) and the head (11) and the screw (12) can be componible together through engaging means. The block (7) can be stiff or flexible. The head (11) can have a first through hole (13) adapted to house a resilient tie-member (8) connected between two heads (11) and adapted to keep the block (7) in position. The head (11) can have a second through hole, at an angle with respect to the first hole (13), said second hole being adapted to house a transversal tie-member connecting diagonally with respect to the spinal column the heads (11) of two screws being applied to two consecutive vertebrae (1 and 3).