Articulating Revision Connectors for Adjacent-Level Spinal Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spinal surgeons face challenges in adding additional fixation to adjacent spinal segments due to interference from existing hardware, necessitating connectors that can attach to existing spinal fusion constructs without requiring removal of original hardware.
Innovation Solution
The development of articulating revision connector assemblies that allow for the connection of new fixation constructs to existing constructs using various configurations, including open and closed clamp portions, securing mechanisms, and modular connections, enabling attachment without removing original hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing hardware is removed to add additional fixation, then new fixation can be placed, but surgical time increases and patient recovery is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
A connector serves as an intermediary device that attaches to existing spinal hardware and provides attachment points for new fixation elements. This mediator allows addition of new fixation without removing the original hardware, resolving the contradiction by enabling both existing and new fixation to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into multiple functional segments: an attachment portion that connects to existing hardware, a body portion that provides structural support, and connection portions that accept new fixation elements. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, enabling easy addition of fixation.
2Ease of operation
If existing hardware is kept in place, then surgical disruption is minimized, but new fixation cannot be properly placed
Solution Approach 1:
The connector acts as a mediating structure between existing hardware and new fixation elements. It provides standardized attachment interfaces that simplify the addition of new fixation without requiring modification or removal of existing hardware, thus managing complexity while enabling new fixation placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with universal attachment capabilities that can interface with various types of existing spinal hardware and accommodate different new fixation elements. This multi-functionality allows a single connector design to work across different hardware configurations, reducing overall system complexity.
3Loss of time
If minimally invasive techniques are used, then recovery time is reduced, but surgical precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates adjustable geometric parameters including articulation angles, offset distances, and connection orientations. These parameter variations allow the connector to accommodate different surgical approaches and patient anatomies while maintaining precision through controlled geometric relationships rather than requiring high surgical skill.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector includes articulating portions that can rotate or adjust to different angles, providing dynamic adaptability during surgery. This dynamic capability allows surgeons to achieve precise positioning through the connector's inherent mechanical flexibility rather than requiring extremely precise manual placement, thus reducing recovery time while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Connector assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A connector has a first end that clamps to a first rod in an existing construct and a second end, connected to the first end, that clamps to a second rod in a new construct such that the new construct can be extended from the existing construct at an adjacent level as the existing construct.