Pedicle Screw Spinal Fixation via Posterior Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization techniques often involve invasive methods that risk damaging blood vessels and require complex procedures for placing screws, which can be hazardous and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for spinal stabilization that uses pedicle screws with polyaxial connector assemblies and cap screws to stabilize the spine by accessing the posterior and anterior surfaces of the vertebrae, allowing for safer and more precise screw placement without exiting the anterior surface, thereby minimizing the risk of damaging blood vessels and simplifying the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spinal fixation methods use screws that exit the anterior surface of vertebrae, then secure fixation is achieved, but risk of damaging blood vessels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional screw placement approach by having screws enter from the posterior surface and terminate before exiting the anterior surface, rather than entering from the anterior surface and exiting the posterior surface. This reversal of the insertion direction allows the screw tips to remain contained within the vertebral body, avoiding protrusion that could damage anterior blood vessels while still achieving secure fixation through the pedicle and vertebral body engagement
2Measurement precision
If complex procedures are used for placing screws in traditional spinal fixation, then precise positioning is achieved, but procedural complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action through the use of guide wires and templating systems that are established before screw insertion. The guide wires are placed first to define the optimal trajectory, and templates are positioned to mark the entry points and angles. This preliminary setup simplifies the subsequent screw placement by providing a pre-determined path, reducing the need for complex real-time adjustments and minimizing procedural complexity while maintaining precision
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal stabilization system having a pedicle screw which includes (i) a shaft with external threads and a head segment on one end of the shaft; (ii) a first drive socket positioned in the head segment; (iii) a second drive socket on a shaft end opposite the first drive socket; and (iv) wherein the shaft end opposite the first drive socket has a lesser diameter than the shaft end at the head segment. The system further includes an intervertebral stabilization structure having an elongated body with rotating ring segments attached to each end of the elongated body.