Occipital Plating System with Movable Coupling Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occipital and cervical stabilization systems face challenges in providing an optimal fit with the occiput and vertebral anatomy, often requiring invasive and complex procedures due to difficulties in securing plates and rods.
Innovation Solution
An occipital plating system with a plate that extends bilaterally across the spinal column, featuring movable coupling members that can engage connecting elements from the occiput and vertebrae, allowing for medial-lateral adjustability and rotation to accommodate anatomical variations, thereby providing secure stabilization with reduced invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid fixed-position plate is used for occipital fixation, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to anatomical variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members are designed to be movable relative to the plate body, allowing dynamic adjustment of their positions along the longitudinal axis. This enables the system to adapt to different anatomical configurations while maintaining structural stability through secure engagement of the connecting elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is divided into distinct functional components: a plate body and separate coupling members. This segmentation allows the coupling members to be independently positioned and adjusted relative to the plate body, providing adaptability to various anatomical variations while the overall structure maintains stability.
2Reliability
If complex securing mechanisms are used to attach rods to the occipital plate, then fixation reliability is improved, but device complexity and procedural invasiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members are designed to self-engage with the connecting elements through a simple snap-fit or click mechanism. The coupling member moves along the slot until it automatically locks into position, eliminating the need for complex securing mechanisms, multiple fasteners, or invasive procedures while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot in the plate body acts as an intermediary mechanism that guides the coupling member into proper alignment with the connecting element. This simple geometric feature enables reliable engagement without requiring complex locking mechanisms or multiple adjustment steps.
3Manufacturing precision
If a plate with fixed coupling member positions is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation and anatomical fit deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members can be freely positioned along the longitudinal slot during surgery, allowing surgeons to adjust their locations to match the patient's specific anatomy. This dynamic positioning capability maintains ease of operation while the slot's precise geometry ensures proper alignment and engagement.
Data Source
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AI summary
An occipital plating system includes a fixation assembly with a plate and a coupling member extending from a respective one of opposite lateral portions of the plate. The coupling members include a channel to receive a connecting element extending from the spinal column. The coupling members are rotatable and translatable relative to the plate.