Offset Connecting Plate for Spinal Fixation Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinal fixation systems face challenges in aligning connectors due to spinal curvature and limited space, often requiring the omission of connectors in insufficiently spaced screw alignments, which complicates implantation and stability.
Innovation Solution
A spinal fixation system comprising at least two bone anchors, a connecting rod, and a connecting plate that can be offset to accommodate varying spinal curvatures, allowing independent selection of connector placement and preventing splaying of polyaxial screw heads with convex and concave surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are placed horizontally between spinal rods to provide lateral support, then stabilization is improved, but when linear distance between adjacent screws is insufficient, connectors must be skipped resulting in reduced stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting plate is designed with a spanning portion that can be offset from the plane of the end portion, creating a dynamic configuration that adapts to varying spinal curvatures and screw spacings. This allows the connector to maintain effective lateral support while accommodating different anatomical conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an offset dimension to the connecting plate, where the spanning portion extends beyond the plane of the end portion. This additional dimensional freedom allows connectors to be placed effectively even when linear distance between screws is limited, resolving the contradiction between stabilization and placement flexibility.
2Productivity
If the spine curvature and limited space result in insufficient linear distance between screws, then connector placement is restricted, but this leads to complex alignment requirements and reduced surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The offset capability of the connecting plate provides dynamic adaptability to spinal curvature variations, eliminating the need for complex pre-operative planning and intraoperative alignment adjustments. This simplifies the surgical procedure while maintaining effective connector placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the connecting plate by introducing an offset spanning portion that can accommodate varying distances and angles between screws. This parameter flexibility reduces alignment complexity and improves surgical efficiency without compromising stabilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If polyaxial screw heads are used to accommodate varying spinal anatomies, then adaptability is improved, but the screw heads are prone to splaying which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting plate configuration with its offset spanning portion and bearing surfaces is designed to preemptively counteract the splaying tendency of polyaxial screw heads. By providing proper structural support and load distribution, the design prevents splaying before it occurs, maintaining both adaptability and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal fixation system comprising at least two bone anchors, a rod connecting the bone anchors and a connecting plate extending from a proximal surface of at least one of the bone anchors. A method of fixing vertebrae relative to each other comprising the steps of: implanting bone anchors in two adjacent vertebrae, each bone anchor having a rod receiving portion; placing a rod in the rod receiving portions, thereby connecting the bone anchors; threadably engaging set screws in the rod receiving portions of at least a portion of the bone anchors, thereby fixing the rod to the bone anchors; mating one end of a connecting plate to a proximal bearing surface of at least a portion of the bone anchors; and engaging a cap with at least a portion of the set screws, thereby fixing the connecting plate to the bone anchors.