Multi-Feature Polyaxial Screw for Flexible Spinal Rod Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone anchor assemblies are challenging to select, manufacture, and use due to their variety and complexity, making it difficult to find the proper anchor for specific surgical needs and increasing inventory management and surgical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single bone anchor assembly with enhanced features such as a U-shaped receiver member, polyaxial seating, and multiple recesses for improved implantation, coupling, and flexibility, allowing for use across various spinal surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different bone anchor assemblies are provided for specific uses, then the anchor can be optimized for specific surgical needs, but it becomes difficult for users to select the proper anchor and increases manufacturing and inventory complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchor assembly is designed with a polyaxial receiver member that can accommodate multiple rod diameters and configurations through a single standardized interface. The receiver member includes a polyaxial seat that allows the rod to be inserted at various angles and orientations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized anchor designs for different surgical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyaxial mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of the rod-receiver angle during surgery, enabling the anchor to adapt to different surgical needs without requiring multiple fixed configurations. The receiver member can be rotated and angled relative to the shank to match the specific requirements of each procedure.
2Device complexity
If a single bone anchor assembly is used for all procedures, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but flexibility during surgical procedures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The polyaxial receiver member incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism that allows intraoperative adjustment of the rod-receiver angle. The receiver can be rotated to different orientations and locked in place, providing flexibility during surgery while maintaining a single standardized anchor design.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized receiver member design with polyaxial capability serves multiple surgical functions within a single anchor assembly, eliminating the need for different anchor types while maintaining adaptability to various procedural requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional anchor designs are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but usability during implantation and coupling is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchor assembly is divided into separate functional components: a shank portion for bone engagement, a receiver member for rod reception, and a polyaxial mechanism for angular adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver member is pre-configured with a polyaxial seat and engagement features that facilitate easy coupling with the rod and surgical instruments. The preliminary design of the receiver includes built-in guidance and alignment features that simplify the implantation and coupling procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Bone anchor assemblies are disclosed herein that provide for a single bone anchor assembly that can be utilized across a range of spinal surgical procedures, reduce manufacturing burden and cost, and provide for greater flexibility during a surgical procedure. The bone anchor assemblies disclosed herein include an implantable shank and a receiver member having two spaced apart arms which form a U-shaped seat to receive a rod, among other components. The bone anchor assemblies disclosed herein also provide a number of features to enhance capability and usability. Examples include features to facilitate better implantation of the shank, better coupling of instrumentation to the anchor, better performance in reducing a spinal fixation element, such as a rod, into the receiver member seat, and others.