Rotatable Bone Anchor Base with Auxiliary Fixation Eyelet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional bone anchor assemblies often result in sub-optimal purchase between the bone anchor and the bone due to compromised insertion states, such as stripped bone openings or insertion outside the intended trajectory, leading to potential loosening or backout of the anchor over time.

Innovation Solution

The bone anchor assembly incorporates a multipoint eyelet component integrated into a receiver member, allowing for adjustable positioning of auxiliary bone anchors relative to the primary bone anchor, enhancing fixation by providing supplemental anchoring points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional single-point bone anchor assembly is used, then the device structure is simple, but the fixation reliability is insufficient when insertion is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bone anchor assembly is segmented into multiple independent bone engagement points (primary anchor and auxiliary anchors), allowing each segment to independently contribute to fixation. This segmentation enables the system to maintain reliability even if one anchor point is compromised, as the other anchors continue to provide stable fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary bone anchors are integrated within the receiver member structure, with the eyelet component positioned to allow auxiliary anchors to be placed inside or adjacent to the primary anchor. This nesting approach adds fixation points without significantly increasing the overall device footprint or structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the bone anchor assembly is inserted in a compromised state (stripped opening, incorrect trajectory), then insertion is easier, but the purchase between anchor and bone is sub-optimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion easeVSAvoidpurchase quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver member is pre-configured with an eyelet component and auxiliary bone anchor openings positioned to provide backup fixation points. This preliminary arrangement allows the surgeon to quickly deploy auxiliary anchors without requiring complex additional instrumentation or repositioning, maintaining ease of operation while improving purchase quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing the number and distribution of bone engagement points from a single anchor to multiple anchors. This parameter change transforms the fixation strategy from relying on one optimal insertion point to distributing fixation across multiple points, thereby maintaining reliability even when insertion conditions are compromised.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If a larger anchor is used to compensate for compromised insertion, then fixation strength is improved, but the available space for anchoring is exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidanchoring space

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing the size of a single anchor in one dimension, the solution adds fixation points in additional spatial dimensions by utilizing the eyelet component and auxiliary anchor openings. This allows multiple anchors to be positioned at different angles and locations around the receiver member, distributing the load across three-dimensional space rather than concentrating it in a single oversized anchor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation strength is achieved through multiple smaller auxiliary anchors rather than one large anchor. Each auxiliary anchor engages bone at a different location, and their combined effect provides equivalent or superior fixation strength while requiring less total bone volume and preserving more anchoring space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the eyelet component is fixed in position, then the device structure is simpler, but the flexibility for positioning auxiliary anchors is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The eyelet component is designed with rotational freedom relative to the receiver member, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned to various angles. This dynamic capability enables the surgeon to optimize the position of auxiliary bone anchors based on the specific anatomical geometry and surgical requirements, maximizing adaptability without requiring a completely reconfigurable device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250120747A1Integrated multipoint fixation screw

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 MEDOS INT SARL

AI summary

Bone anchor assemblies and related methods are disclosed herein that can provide for improved fixation of a primary bone anchor. A bone anchor assembly can include a base rotatably received within a rod-receiving member. The base can have a toroid body with a radially-extending portion including at least one auxiliary bone anchor opening that can receive an auxiliary bone anchor to augment fixation of a primary bone anchor of the bone anchor assembly. The base can be rotated relative to the rod-receiving member and the primary bone anchor such that the at least one auxiliary bone anchor opening can be placed in a desired position for supplemental fixation.