Pedicle Screw Rod Support Housing Flexing Relief Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pedicle screw systems face challenges in providing a strong yet adjustable connection between the pedicle screw and rod attachment hardware, which is crucial for reducing stress on the vertebrae during spinal fusion procedures, as the current mobile connection may not adequately address pressure and pain issues.
Innovation Solution
A pedicle screw system with a modular design, featuring a screw head, screw shaft, and a modular pedicle tower with a rod support housing, locking ring, and extension portion, where the rod support housing has relief slots and a gripping ridge to flex outwardly and inwardly, allowing secure locking of the screw head and locking ring, providing a stable yet adjustable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the rod attachment hardware is firmly connected to the pedicle screw head, then stability is improved, but stress on the vertebrae during insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod support housing is designed with flexible regions between relief slots that allow dynamic adjustment. The housing can flex outwardly to accommodate the screw head during insertion, then flex inwardly to lock the locking ring, providing both mobility during insertion and stability after assembly, thereby reducing stress on vertebrae while maintaining connection stability
2Ease of operation
If the connection between pedicle screw and rod attachment housing is adjustable, then ease of operation is improved, but connection strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod support housing is segmented into multiple regions by relief slots, creating flexible zones that can independently deform. This segmentation allows the housing to adjust its shape during assembly operations while maintaining overall structural integrity and connection strength when locked in place
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the rod support housing changes during assembly - transitioning from a flexible state during insertion to a locked rigid state after assembly. The relief slots enable parameter changes in the housing's dimensional stability, allowing adjustability during operation while achieving strong connection when locked
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modular pedicle screw system ensures a secure and stable connection between the pedicle screw and rod support housing, reducing the risk of screw removal and providing enhanced stability during spinal fusion procedures, thereby alleviating pressure and pain on the vertebrae.
Implementation Method 1
Regions of the rod support housing between the relief slots may be configured to flex outwardly and the rod support housing may be configured to receive the screw head upon pressing the screw head through the head capture opening and over the gripping ridge
Data Source
AI summary
A pedicle screw system and methods of using same, the system including a pedicle screw with a screw head and a rod support housing with a head capture opening surrounded by relief slots. The rod support housing has an interior gripping ridge and an exterior locking groove. Pressing the screw head into the head capture opening results in regions of the rod support housing between the relief slots flexing outwardly to allow the screw head to pass over the gripping ridge, and the regions to cease flexing outwardly after the screw head is seated within the rod support housing. Pressing a locking ring over the head capture opening causes regions of the rod support housing between the relief slots to flex inwardly and allow a locking tab of the locking ring to pass into the locking groove, after which the regions cease flexing inwardly.