Polyaxial Bone Screw With Integral Lateral Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polyaxial screw systems face difficulties in attaching S1 and L5 pedicle screws to stabilization rods at the S1-L5 junction due to spatial limitations, which compromises the integrity of spinal constructs.
Innovation Solution
A polyaxial screw body with an integral lateral connector that extends from the side wall, allowing for various orientations and configurations to accommodate fixation rods and pelvic fixation devices, thereby enhancing connectivity and reducing spatial constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional polyaxial screw systems are used with separate lateral connectors, then the screw body can be attached to stabilization rods, but the S1-L5 junction becomes crowded and access is obstructed making attachment difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lateral connector and polyaxial screw body into a single integrated unit. The lateral connector extends directly from the screw body, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing spatial clutter at the S1-L5 junction during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated screw body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides pedicle screw fixation, includes a lateral connector for rod attachment, and maintains polyaxial capability. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed in the spinal construct.
2Reliability
If separate lateral connectors are used to connect stabilization rods to pedicle screws, then connectivity can be achieved, but the surgical site becomes crowded with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral connector is merged with the polyaxial screw body as a single integral component. This eliminates the need for separate lateral connectors and reduces the total component count while maintaining reliable connectivity between the stabilization rod and pedicle screw.
3Strength
If conventional polyaxial screw systems without integral lateral connectors are used, then the screw body can be attached to vertebrae, but attachment to stabilization rods at S1-L5 junction is compromised due to spatial limitations
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the lateral connector into the screw body, the design ensures that all necessary fixation points (pedicle screw attachment and stabilization rod connection) can be achieved simultaneously at the S1-L5 junction, maintaining both strength and placement freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral connector extends in a direction perpendicular to the main screw shaft axis, providing a new spatial dimension for connection. This allows the stabilization rod to be attached laterally without interfering with the pedicle screw's vertical placement trajectory.
Data Source
AI summary
A polyaxial screw body includes a side wall defining a lumen having a first end and a second end. An opening disposed at the first end of the lumen, includes an interior surface disposed in the side wall thereabout. The interior surface is adapted to accommodate a head portion of a pedicle screw. A transverse channel extends from a first aperture through the side wall to a second aperture and is adapted to accommodate a portion of a fixation rod therebetween. A lateral connector extending integrally from the side wall.