Segmented Vertebral Fixation Plate Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional anterior spinal fixation plates are cumbersome, expensive to manufacture, and have complex adjustment mechanisms that complicate their use during surgical procedures for stabilizing the spine.

Innovation Solution

A vertebral fixation plate assembly comprising a first plate with a tongue end and a second plate with a recessed end, allowing for adjustable length and featuring a set screw for fixation, along with staples providing rotational freedom and secure attachment to vertebral bodies, facilitating easier and more precise spinal stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional anterior spinal fixation plates are used, then spinal fixation is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and complex to use during surgical procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal fixation stabilityVSAvoidsurgical procedure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation plate is divided into a first plate and a second plate that can be separated and repositioned relative to each other. The first plate has a tongue end that fits into a recess in the second plate, allowing the plates to be segmented for easier handling and repositioning during surgery while maintaining fixation stability when assembled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional anterior spinal fixation plates are used, then spinal fixation is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal fixation stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the fixation plate into two separate plates with standardized components (tongue end, recess, apertures), the design simplifies manufacturing processes. Each plate can be manufactured independently using standard techniques, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to a single complex unitary plate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first plate and second plate can be used in various configurations and combined with different staples, creating a universal fixation system that can address multiple spinal fixation needs with a standardized component set, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If conventional anterior spinal fixation plates are used, then spinal fixation is achieved, but the profile size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal fixation stabilityVSAvoidplate profile size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented design allows the fixation plate to have a smaller individual profile since the first and second plates can be positioned separately on the vertebral body. The tongue-end connection provides the necessary structural integrity without requiring a large continuous plate structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11426212B2Motion control and vertebral fixation device

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC

AI summary

A vertebral fixation plate assembly for securing adjacent vertebral bodies is provided that is configured to distract or extend along its length, as well as provide multiple degrees of freedom between the fixation points and the vertebral fixation plate in order to accommodate different installation locations, as well as different surgical approaches. Methods of using the vertebral fixation plate assembly are also provided.