Orthopedic Connection Assembly with Interference Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal implant connection assemblies face challenges in securely connecting elongated rods to bone anchors due to variations in angle and position, leading to instability and difficulty in achieving a secure fit.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly comprising a housing member, a receiving member, an interference member, and a cap member, which allows for adjustable orientation and secure locking of the spinal implant relative to the bone anchor through a securing mechanism that includes a threaded set screw and a channel system, enabling rotation and translation to accommodate angular offsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bone anchors are positioned at various angles and distances from the elongated rod to accommodate anatomical structure and surgeon preference, then adaptability to patient-specific conditions is improved, but the reliability of the connection between the rod and bone anchors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly incorporates a dynamic angle adjustment mechanism that allows the bone anchor to be positioned at multiple angles relative to the elongated rod. The articulating connection enables the assembly to adapt its configuration to match the specific anatomical requirements and surgical preferences while maintaining secure engagement through threaded fastening and interference fit features.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly serves as an intermediary component between the elongated rod and the bone anchor, providing an articulating interface that accommodates angular misalignment. This intermediate structure includes a housing member with a receiving member that can rotate or articulate relative to the rod, thereby mediating the connection while preserving both adaptability and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the connection assembly allows for variable angles and positions of bone anchors, then ease of operation during surgery is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is divided into distinct modular segments including a housing member, a receiving member, and a fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying assembly during surgery. The modular design enables the surgeon to easily position and secure the bone anchor without manipulating a single complex unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating connection provides dynamic adjustability that simplifies surgical operation by allowing the bone anchor to be positioned at the required angle before final securing. The dynamic mechanism enables easy repositioning during the procedure while the overall device remains relatively simple in construction, avoiding excessive complexity through efficient use of mechanical degrees of freedom.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic connection assembly is described that comprises a housing member for receiving an implant that is operably connected to a receiving member for receiving an anchor member. The connection assembly is configured to have a locking mechanism that secures and fixes the relative orientation between the implant and the anchor member. The connection assembly can comprise a plate member receivable within the housing member. When a securing member such as a set screw is introduced downwardly into the housing member to secure the implant, the securing member applies a lateral force to the plate member, which presses against an interference member within the receiving member. The interference member presses against the anchor member, such that the anchor member is fixed in a position relative to the implant.