Multipoint Bone Anchor Assembly for Loosening-Resistant Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone anchor assemblies often face issues with compromised insertion, limited flexibility in bone attachment points, and sub-optimal purchase with the bone, leading to potential loosening or backout, especially in cases of compromised bone conditions.
Innovation Solution
The bone anchor assemblies feature a bracket or wing extending from the receiver member with auxiliary bone anchors, a plate between the receiver and rod with additional anchors, or a hook attaching to anatomical structures, enhancing fixation by allowing adjustable positioning and multiple engagement points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional single bone anchor assembly is used, then the device complexity is low, but the fixation reliability is insufficient in compromised bone conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchor assembly is segmented into multiple independent anchors (primary and auxiliary) that can engage bone at separate locations. This segmentation allows the system to achieve superior fixation reliability by distributing mechanical loads across multiple bone engagement points, particularly beneficial when the primary anchor placement is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary bone anchor is nested within the structural footprint of the primary bone anchor assembly. The auxiliary anchor fits within the same general anatomical region and can be positioned through the same surgical approach, allowing augmented fixation without requiring additional surgical sites or significantly expanding the procedural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bone anchor assembly geometry is traditional, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability in bone attachment point positioning is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchor assembly incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable geometric features that allow the attachment points to be dynamically positioned. The assembly can be configured to accommodate primary and auxiliary anchors at various angles and locations on the bone surface, providing adaptability for different anatomical conditions and surgical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone anchor assembly is designed with universal geometric features that can accommodate multiple anchor types and configurations. The same assembly structure can adapt to different bone geometries, anchor sizes, and placement requirements, making it versatile for various surgical applications without requiring multiple specialized device variants.
Data Source
AI summary
Bone anchor assemblies are disclosed herein that can provide for improved fixation as compared with traditional bone anchor assemblies. An exemplary assembly can include a bracket or wing that extends down from the receiver member and accommodates one or more auxiliary bone anchors that augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. Another exemplary assembly can include a plate that is seated between the receiver member and the rod and accommodates one or more auxiliary bone anchors that augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. Another exemplary assembly can include a hook that extends out from the receiver member to hook onto an anatomical structure or another implant to augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. Surgical methods using the bone anchor assemblies described herein are also disclosed.