Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System for Low-Profile Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation systems face challenges in being easily and accurately implanted without applying undue stress to the spinal column, leading to tissue inflammation and surgical trauma, and often require rod bending to accommodate anatomical anomalies.
Innovation Solution
A low profile spinal fixation system with a pedicle screw design featuring a cup-shaped receiver and polyaxial connections, allowing for easy assembly and adjustment without rod bending, along with tension rings for improved handling and visibility, and modular components for increased conformity to spinal anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid fixation systems are used to achieve stable spinal fixation, then reliability of fixation is improved, but excessive loads and stresses are applied to the spinal column causing tissue inflammation and surgical trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the fixation system by introducing a flexible rod that can bend and conform to the natural curvature of the spine, replacing rigid rods with varying degrees of flexibility to reduce stress concentration while maintaining fixation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static rigid fixation to dynamic flexible fixation, allowing the spinal column to maintain natural movement and flexibility while still providing stable fixation through the combination of pedicle screws and flexible connecting rods
2Adaptability or versatility
If rod bending is performed to accommodate anatomical anomalies and achieve proper screw alignment, then adaptability to patient anatomy is improved, but device complexity and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible rod design inherently adapts to anatomical variations without requiring complex pre-bending procedures, allowing the rod to naturally conform to the patient's spinal curvature during implantation through simple manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The system eliminates the need for preliminary rod bending and complex alignment procedures by using pre-fabricated flexible rods that can be directly implanted and will naturally conform to the anatomical structure during the surgical procedure
3Manufacturing precision
If complex alignment procedures are used to ensure proper screw positioning, then manufacturing precision of fixation is improved, but surgical time and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible rod system changes the alignment parameters from requiring precise angular and positional matching to allowing natural conformation to the spinal curve, significantly reducing the time and complexity of alignment procedures while maintaining proper screw positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal fixation system that includes at least two pedicle screws and a connector plate attached to each pedicle screw with a locking nut at a first end. A rod connector member attached to a second end of each connector plate with a rod connecting member locking lock. A spinal rod connected to at least two of the rod connector members. The pedicle screw including a cup shaped member that conforms to a lower mating surface on the connector plate and the locking nut having a mating surface with the upper surface of the connector plates to provide a polyaxial connection between the pedicle screw and the connector plate. The rod connector, connecting plate, and, rod connector locking nuts having mating surfaces that allow polyaxial motion between the rod connector member and the connector plate. The spinal fixation system provides a low profile system that is more easily implanted and adjustable so as to reduce the stress to the spinal column and trauma to the surgical incision.