Spinal Band Clamp Assembly for Fixation in Weak Bone Cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved band clamp implants to secure flexible bands to bone during spinal deformity surgery, particularly in cases where pedicle screw placement is difficult or impossible due to weak bone or dysmorphic vertebrae.
Innovation Solution
The development of band clamp implant assemblies that include a main body with locking members to secure both spinal rods and flexible bands, featuring various configurations such as split ring anchors, locking caps, and integrated screw heads to ensure secure attachment and tensioning of the flexible bands to the bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pedicle screws are used for spinal fixation, then strong anchorage is achieved, but they cannot be used in cases with weak bone or dysmorphic vertebrae
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the anchoring function from the pedicle screw system and implements it through a separate band clamp implant that secures flexible bands around the vertebrae. This allows the fixation system to work independently of pedicle screw placement, enabling use in cases with weak bone or dysmorphic vertebrae where traditional screws cannot be reliably placed.
Solution Approach 2:
The band clamp implant serves multiple functions: it can secure flexible bands around various bony structures (lamina, transverse processes), provide fixation in both pediatric and adult patients, and work as an alternative or supplement to pedicle screws. This multi-functionality increases adaptability across different clinical scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible bands are used instead of pedicle screws, then applicability to weak bone cases is improved, but secure attachment to bone becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible band acts as an intermediary element that wraps around the vertebrae and is secured by the band clamp implant. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve secure attachment without requiring direct bone penetration like pedicle screws, making it suitable for weak bone cases while maintaining fixation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible band (thin film structure) that can conform to and wrap around various bony anatomies including the lamina and transverse processes. This flexibility enables secure attachment in cases where rigid pedicle screws cannot be placed, while the band clamp implant provides the necessary anchorage strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid fixation methods are used, then structural stability is achieved, but they cause trauma to dysmorphic vertebrae
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible band serves as a soft, conformable structure that can be passed around dysmorphic vertebrae without requiring forceful insertion or expansion that would cause trauma. Unlike rigid rods and screws that must be forcibly placed into anatomical structures, the flexible band can be gently routed around the vertebrae to achieve stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the fixation system from rigid to flexible. The flexible band can accommodate varying anatomical geometries and dysmorphic shapes without requiring forceful adaptation, thereby reducing trauma to vulnerable vertebrae while still providing the necessary spinal stability through tension and distribution of forces.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These implants provide effective fixation and correction of spinal deformities by securely attaching flexible bands to the bone, allowing for alternative or supplementary fixation to pedicle screws, especially in pediatric and neuromuscular cases where traditional methods are compromised.
Implementation Method 1
The anchor includes a split ring body with a central through opening and a cut in fluid communication with the central through opening. The anchor is receivable in a mating recess in the main body of the implant such that the cut allows the anchor to flex and squeeze into the mating recess. Once fully positioned in the recess, the anchor springs back open to prevent disassembly from the main body of the implant.
Data Source
AI summary
Implants, systems, and methods for securing a flexible band, thereby providing a desired correction to the spine. The implant may secure the flexible band to a spinal rod and/or a pedicle screw. The implant may include a first locking member configured to secure the spinal rod and a second locking member configured to secure the band. The band may be looped around bony anatomy and tensioned to achieve correction and provide fixation as an alternative and/or supplement to pedicle screws during spinal deformity surgery.