Pivoting Vertebral Fixation Device for Spinal Nerve Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spinal fusion procedures are invasive and prone to errors, risking spinal nerve injury or compression due to the use of large pedicle screws that are difficult to place accurately.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with a hinge mechanism and pivoting arms that attach to vertebral facet joints, allowing for fixation of vertebrae without the need for pedicle screws, thereby minimizing the risk of nerve injury by engaging smaller, less invasive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pedicle screws are used for spinal fusion, then vertebral fixation can be achieved, but the risk of spinal nerve injury and compression increases due to invasive placement
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the fixation function into separate components: a vertebral body anchor, a rod, and a facet joint anchor. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving the same fixation goal with reduced nerve injury risk
Solution Approach 2:
The rod acts as an intermediary element connecting the vertebral body anchor to the facet joint anchor. This intermediary structure distributes the fixation force and eliminates the need for large pedicle screws that directly compress nerves
2Manufacturing precision
If pedicle screws are placed to fix vertebrae together, then spinal fusion is achieved, but placement accuracy is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The vertebral body anchor is preliminarily placed and secured before attaching the rod. This preliminary action establishes a stable reference point that simplifies the subsequent placement of the facet joint anchor and ensures accurate alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces the complex mechanical system of pedicle screws with a simpler system using a rod and two anchors. This substitution reduces the complexity of placement while maintaining or improving accuracy through the modular design
3Strength
If large pedicle screws are used, then fixation strength is achieved, but the invasive nature of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is segmented into a vertebral body anchor, rod, and facet joint anchor. This segmentation allows the use of smaller, less invasive components that collectively provide the necessary fixation strength without requiring large pedicle screws
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a single-point fixation approach (pedicle screws) to a multi-point fixation approach by engaging both the vertebral body and facet joint. This dimensional change in the fixation strategy allows for reduced invasiveness while maintaining strength
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an orthopedic fixation device for use in spinal surgery. The orthopedic device is a pivoting device that comprises one or more hinges. Fixation of multiple vertebrae is accomplished by fixation at the vertebral facet joints. Multiple devices may be further fixed at multiple vertebral levels with the use of a multi-level rod.