Monolithic Sacral-Iliac Plate with Integrated Tulip

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a fixation device that effectively stabilizes the iliac portion of the human body to the sacrum portion to provide additional stability, addressing weaknesses such as degenerative diseases, tumors, fractures, and dislocations in the spine.

Innovation Solution

A sacral-iliac plate with an integrated tulip feature for receiving a spinal rod and screw holes for securing to both iliac and sacral bones, featuring a sharp prong for temporary fixation and adjustable angulation to accommodate anatomical variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sacral-iliac plate is used to stabilize the sacrum to the iliac bone, then stability and support across the sacral iliac joint is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to the integrated tulip feature and multiple screw holes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated plate structure. The sacral-iliac plate merges the iliac portion, sacral portion, and tulip feature into one monolithic device that simultaneously provides bone anchoring and spinal rod reception, eliminating the need for separate fixation devices and reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sacral-iliac plate is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple tasks: securing to the iliac bone via the iliac portion with screw holes, securing to the sacrum via the sacral portion with screw holes, and receiving/spinning spinal rods via the integrated tulip feature. This universal design allows a single device to address multiple stabilization needs.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sacral-iliac plate is designed with adjustable angulation to accommodate anatomical variations, then adaptability increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sacral-iliac plate incorporates adjustable angulation capabilities that allow the device to adapt to different anatomical configurations. The plate can be positioned and angled to match the specific geometry of the patient's sacral iliac joint, providing customization without requiring multiple specialized devices for different anatomical variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12023070B2Sacral-iliac stabilization system
Publication Date: 2024.07.02 GLOBUS MEDICAL INC
  • US12023070B2 patent drawing
  • US12023070B2 patent drawing
  • US12023070B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a sacral-iliac plate having an iliac portion with a first screw hole for receiving a first fastener to secure the iliac portion to the iliac bone. A sacral portion integrated monolithically with the iliac portion is also provided with a second and third screw holes for receiving second and third fasteners to secure the sacral portion to the sacral bone. The sacral portion also includes a tulip for receiving and securing a spinal rod.