Percutaneous Cross Connector for Spinal Rod Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limitation of percutaneous fixation in spinal surgery is the inability to place a cross-link to connect rods together, leading to construct failure due to screw pullout and weakened rigidity, especially in unstable spine fractures.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive cross connector device comprising a portal with a rod attachment feature, a tulip, a cannula, and a retention component, allowing for top-loading cross-linking without the need for additional incisions, thereby stabilizing the construct and preventing screw pullout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If percutaneous fixation is used for spinal surgery, then less physiological trauma and faster recovery are achieved, but the inability to place cross-links leads to construct failure and screw pullout
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-linking device is inserted through the existing percutaneous access channel, nesting the cross-link placement procedure within the already-established surgical pathway. The portal, tulip, and cross-link components are delivered through a cannula that traverses the same minimally invasive trajectory used for screw insertion, eliminating the need for separate incisions while achieving open-surgery-level cross-linking capability
Solution Approach 2:
A portal component with a circular cutout and retention mechanism serves as an intermediary structure that interfaces with the existing percutaneous hardware. The portal attaches to the rod or screw head and provides a mounting interface for the tulip and cross-link, bridging the gap between minimally invasive access and the mechanical requirements of stable cross-linking
2Reliability
If cross-links are placed to increase construct rigidity and prevent screw pullout, then construct stability improves, but additional incisions are required which defeats the purpose of minimally invasive surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The percutaneous portal and tulip assembly serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting interface for the cross-link, maintains the minimally invasive access pathway, and interfaces with existing spinal fixation hardware. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate incisions and simplifies the overall surgical procedure while achieving cross-linking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The portal and retention component are pre-assembled with the rod or screw before final implantation. The circular cutout and retention features are prepared in advance to receive the tulip and cross-link components, allowing for rapid deployment through the percutaneous channel without requiring complex intraoperative assembly steps
Data Source
AI summary
A cross connector device is provided. The cross connector device comprises a portal having a rod attachment feature with a circular cutout, a tulip attached to the portal, a cannula detachably attached to the tulip, and a retention component detachably connected to the portal.