Pivoting Rod Connectors for Spinal Alignment and Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal stabilization procedures face challenges in aligning and securing elongate stabilization members, particularly when connecting rods with different axes or curvatures, and maintaining their angular and axial positions during fixation.
Innovation Solution
The use of adjustable pivoting rod connectors with locking mechanisms that allow for simultaneous adjustment of angular and axial positions of stabilization members, enabling easy access and secure locking without disengagement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid rods are curved or bent by the surgeon to provide desired alignment, then the rods can match patient anatomy, but the alignment precision and structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rod connector incorporates a pivoting mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the rod angle relative to the spinal column. The connector can be positioned at different angles during surgery to match the natural curvature of the spine, eliminating the need to bend rigid rods while maintaining both structural integrity and anatomical compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable rod connectors are used to align ends of adjacent rods, then alignment flexibility is improved, but it becomes difficult to simultaneously align angular position and maintain axial position during component locking
Solution Approach 1:
The rod connector is divided into distinct functional components: a body portion that maintains axial positioning, a pivoting mechanism for angular adjustment, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the surgeon to independently control axial and angular positions without interference, simplifying the operation while maintaining alignment flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is designed to pre-establish the axial position of the rod end before angular adjustment is made. This preliminary positioning ensures that axial alignment is maintained throughout the angular adjustment process, reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple components need to be locked into position during surgery, then stable fixation is achieved, but the time required for the surgical procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated directly into the rod connector body, combining the functions of angular locking and axial positioning into a single unified system. This eliminates the need for separate locking operations for different components, reducing surgical time while maintaining fixation stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A pivoting rod connector for spinal stabilization members comprises first and second connector blocks, each comprising a rod slot for receiving a stabilization member and a closure bore for receiving a closure device, a pivot mechanism connecting the first connector block and the second connector block to allow for angulation between the rod slots, and a locking mechanism to inhibit angulation of the pivot mechanism. Methods of connecting stabilization members in a spinal procedure can comprise adjusting of the angular positioning of the first connector block relative to the second connector block via the pivot mechanism, and locking a position of the first connector body relative to the second connector block following adjustment. The positioning of the connector blocks relative to the spine of the patient are adjustable when the stabilization members are coupled to the spine and inserted into the connector blocks.