Sacral Reconstruction Fixation Device with Rotatable Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for stabilizing the pelvis and lumbar spine after sacrectomy are complex and time-consuming, requiring custom-made constructs with rods anchored to the ilia and vertebrae, necessitating a need for alternative, compact, and easy-to-use surgical devices.

Innovation Solution

A sacral reconstruction fixation device that includes a pair of fixation devices secured to ilia and spinal rods, with rotatable body parts that lock against rotation and longitudinal translation, allowing for secure attachment of spinal and transiliac rods, and featuring polyaxial motion for adjustable alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a custom-made construct with rods anchored to the ilia and vertebrae is used, then stable pelvic and spinal support is achieved, but the surgical procedure becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestable pelvic and spinal supportVSAvoidsurgical procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation device merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit. The connector body simultaneously receives and secures both the spinal rod and transiliac rod, eliminating the need for separate custom-made constructs. This consolidation maintains stable support while significantly reducing surgical complexity and procedure time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple rod types and configurations. It provides multi-functional capability by securing both spinal and transiliac rods through a single device, replacing the need for multiple specialized components and custom constructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a custom-made construct with rods anchored to the ilia and vertebrae is used, then stable pelvic and spinal support is achieved, but the surgical procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestable pelvic and spinal supportVSAvoidsurgical procedure efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector body is pre-configured with multiple receptacles and locking mechanisms before surgery. The iliac screw and rods can be directly inserted and secured without requiring complex intraoperative assembly or custom fabrication, significantly reducing surgical procedure time while maintaining stable support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If body parts are locked against rotation and longitudinal translation, then secure attachment to rods is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachment to rodsVSAvoidfixation device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector body employs a dynamic locking system where the iliac screw can be inserted with rotational freedom during insertion, then locked into a fixed position once properly seated. This dynamic approach allows for easier installation while achieving secure attachment, reducing structural complexity compared to fully rigid systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2120750B1Sacral reconstruction fixation device
Publication Date: 2012.06.27 WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC
  • EP2120750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2120750B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2120750B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A sacral reconstruction fixation device (28) aids in stabilizing the pelvis and the lumbar spine after a sacrectomy in cooperation with a spinal rod (30) and transiliac rod (40). A pair of the fixation devices (50) may be secured to respective ilia and respective spinal rods (30). The transiliac rod (40) may be secured to both of the fixation devices. The fixation devices include first and second parts that are initially relatively rotatable about a common axis to aid in connecting the fixation devices to the spinal rod and transiliac rod. The body part is intended to be mated to the spinal rod, while the second part is intended to be mated to the transiliac rod. The fixation device's parts are subsequently locked against rotation and against longitudinal translation, advantageously both relative to each other and the rods.