Segmented Bone Screw Structure for Precise Spinal Fusion Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved systems for bone fusion, particularly in spinal fusion procedures to address chronic pain and other bone-related issues.
Innovation Solution
A bone screw with a design that includes a shaft with a tapered distal region with one or more threads and helical indentations opposite to the direction of the threads, a head at the proximal end, and a tip at the distal end, and a fixation system with a plate member and spacer member forming a bone fusion device with oblique angled screw passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bone screws are used, then the basic fixation function is provided, but the bone fusion effectiveness and alignment precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bone screw shaft is divided into multiple functional segments: a proximal region with first helical indentations, a distal region with second helical indentations, and threaded portions between them. This segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions - the proximal region engages with the plate, the distal region engages with the bone, and the threaded portions provide progressive engagement and alignment, thereby improving both fixation reliability and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone screw features asymmetric helical indentations where the first helical indentations on the proximal region have a different hand (chirality) than the second helical indentations on the distal region. This asymmetry creates a directional engagement mechanism that ensures proper alignment during insertion while providing secure fixation, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and fixation reliability.
2Strength
If simple bone screw designs are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fixation strength and bone fusion capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bone screw merges multiple functional features into a single integrated structure: the head with plate engagement, the shaft with multiple helical indentation sets, the threaded portions for bone engagement, and the tip for bone penetration. This merging of functions into one component achieves high fixation strength without requiring multiple separate parts, thus not increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone screw incorporates dynamic engagement through its threaded portions that can rotate and engage progressively with the bone during insertion. The helical indentations provide a dynamic locking mechanism that adapts to the bone structure, allowing the screw to achieve strong fixation while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a bone screw and a fixation system specifically configured for fixing a bone fusion device into a human or animal body with the aid of a specifically designed fastening unit. A bone fusion system including at least two such bone screws in said bone fusion device is also disclosed along with said fastening unit.