Multi-Axial Occipito-Cervical Connector for Spinal Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current occipito-cervical fixation devices face challenges such as sub-optimal resistance to pull-out, technical difficulty in screw placement due to perpendicular screw trajectory, and the need for extensive contouring that introduces stress risers and increases operation time, especially in the complex anatomy of the cranio-vertebral junction.
Innovation Solution
The use of poly-axial bone screws that can be placed at various angles, providing greater resistance to pull-out and aligning with the surgeon's line of vision, combined with a multi-axial connector that allows for rapid and precise device implantation without contouring, thereby enhancing stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bone screws are placed perpendicular to the bone surface, then the screw placement is simple and straightforward, but the screws experience maximum load from rotational forces and provide sub-optimal resistance to pull-out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the screw placement parameter from perpendicular to non-perpendicular (angled) trajectory. This parameter change allows screws to capture a wedge of bone, increasing pull-out resistance while also aligning with the surgeon's line of vision for easier placement. The angled trajectory transforms the mechanical interaction between screw and bone to optimize both fixation strength and surgical ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive contouring is performed to conform the fixation device to complex anatomy, then the device can adapt to tortuous anatomy, but the operation time increases and stress risers are introduced into the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic, multi-axial connector that can be adjusted and positioned in multiple orientations after implantation. Rather than requiring pre-contouring to match fixed anatomical paths, the connector allows surgeons to adapt the device configuration intraoperatively to match the patient's specific anatomy, reducing operation time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device is segmented into modular components including the occipital attachment, cervical attachment, and multi-axial connector. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and oriented, eliminating the need for extensive contouring of a single continuous device while maintaining conformity to complex anatomy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive contouring is performed to conform the fixation device to complex anatomy, then the device can adapt to tortuous anatomy, but the device strength is reduced due to introduced stress risers
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into modular components connected by a multi-axial connector, the patent eliminates the need for extensive contouring of continuous device elements. Each segment maintains its full structural strength without the weakening effects of contouring-induced stress risers, while the modular assembly provides adaptability to complex anatomy.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a multi-axial occipito-cervical connection system that enables an occipital rod to be coupled to a cervical rod in a manner that permits multi-axial, relative movement between the two rods about a predetermined location, such as the heads of the rods. The system includes a locking mechanism that can be actuated to lock the relative positions of the rods. The rods can provide an interconnection between one or more attachments on the skull (such as an occipital attachment) and one or more attachments to the spine (such as spine screws).