Poly-axial Spinal Anchoring System with Variable Angle Coupling

Solution Overview

Problem

Current pedicle screw systems for spinal fixation face challenges in providing adequate stability and rigidity, which can impact spinal fusion rates and recovery time for patients.

Innovation Solution

An anchoring system that includes a poly-axial screw with a variable angle coupling assembly, allowing for the attachment of multiple rods to enhance stability and rigidity, and featuring adjustable coupling assemblies that can rotate and angle independently with respect to the bone screw.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional pedicle screw systems are used for spinal fixation, then the basic stabilization function is provided, but adequate stability and rigidity are insufficient to optimize spinal fusion rates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidspinal fusion rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly is divided into separate rotatable components including a body portion, a clamp portion, and a lock portion that can independently adjust and lock at variable angles. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function while collectively providing enhanced stability and rigidity to the spinal fixation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling assembly incorporates rotatable components that can be dynamically adjusted to variable angles during surgery and then locked in place. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to adapt to different spinal anatomies while maintaining optimal stability and rigidity for spinal fusion when locked in position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If traditional pedicle screw systems are used, then fixation is provided, but rigidity is insufficient to reduce recovery time

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverigidityVSAvoidrecovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated component that combines the bone screw anchoring function with the rod coupling function and the angular adjustment function. This merging creates a more rigid and stable construct that promotes faster spinal fusion and reduces recovery time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling assembly utilizes composite construction combining a body portion, clamp portion, and lock portion made from biocompatible materials such as titanium or stainless steel. This composite design provides enhanced rigidity and strength while maintaining biocompatibility, thereby reducing recovery time and improving patient outcomes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed angle coupling assemblies are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to varying spinal anatomy is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular adjustmentVSAvoidcoupling assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly incorporates rotatable components that can be dynamically adjusted to variable angles during surgery and then locked in place. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to adapt to different spinal anatomies while maintaining optimal stability and rigidity for spinal fusion when locked in position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling assembly is divided into separate rotatable components including a body portion, a clamp portion, and a lock portion that can independently adjust and lock at variable angles. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function while collectively providing enhanced stability and rigidity to the spinal fixation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12295622B2Spinal anchoring system

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 GLOBUS MEDICAL INC

AI summary

An anchoring system for implanting in bone, the system comprising a first coupling assembly having a first clamp and a first coupling body that receives and holds a first stabilization element; a second coupling assembly that receives and holds a second stabilization element; and a plate that attaches to the first coupling assembly and the second coupling assembly, wherein the first coupling assembly attaches to a bone fastener, and wherein the first coupling body includes a cap retainer that receives a locking cap that applies a directional force to force the first coupling body toward the plate, and applies another directional force to force the first clamp toward the plate, thereby fixedly securing the first coupling body and the first clamp to the plate.