Polyaxial Bone Anchor Extension Device with Actuated Pivot Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices for correcting bone fractures using bone anchors and extension devices lack controlled manipulation and convenient attachment, which can complicate surgical procedures and limit accessibility for surgeons.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a system with two receptacles for accommodating extension devices, allowing for controlled pivoting and movement of bone screws via actuation devices that change the distance between pivot axes, enabling easy attachment and manipulation of bone anchors for precise fracture correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If polyaxial bone anchors are used to provide flexibility in orientation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for additional blocking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation flexibilityVSAvoidblocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bone anchor system transitions from a static fixed-orientation design to a dynamic polyaxial design that allows movement during insertion and then can be locked into position. The extension device incorporates a blocking mechanism that can dynamically transition between allowing pivoting motion and constraining the anchor in a fixed orientation, providing both flexibility and stability as needed during different surgical phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If extension devices are made longer to provide better leverage for manipulation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional attachment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanipulation leverageVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extension device is designed with a nested structure where the tube-like body contains internal components and the bone anchor can be inserted into and removed from the extension device. The blocking mechanism is nested within the extension device structure, allowing compact integration while maintaining the extended leverage arm length needed for effective manipulation during surgery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Manufacturing precision

If the force introduction section is positioned closer to the pivot axis for better control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to reduced accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidsurgeon accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device architecture separates the control functions into different spatial dimensions and locations. The force introduction section is positioned at one location along the extension device while the pivot axis is located at another position, creating a moment arm that provides both precise control and adequate accessibility. The receptacle and actuation mechanisms are arranged in three-dimensional space to allow surgeon access from appropriate angles while maintaining precise force application relative to the pivot axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3817676B1Device for correcting bone fractures
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 SILONY MEDICAL INT
  • EP3817676B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3817676B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3817676B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for correcting a bone fracture using bone anchors (14), in particular bone screws (14), and extension devices (12) attachable to the bone anchors (14).