Spinal Band Clamp System for Bone Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fixation devices face challenges with bone anchors, particularly in cases where bone structures lack sufficient mechanical strength or require a degree of freedom, and there is a need for alternative fastening means that can provide stability without full immobilization of adjacent vertebrae.
Innovation Solution
A connector system using a band clamp with dual-lock or single-lock mechanisms, which secures a spinal rod to a bone structure via a flexible band, allowing for adjustable tension and stability without the need for traditional bone screws, and a tensioning instrument for precise band tensioning through small surgical incisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional bone screws are used for spinal fixation, then strong immobilization is achieved, but the bone structure may lack sufficient mechanical strength to withstand screw penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a band as an intermediary element that wraps around the bone structure (lamina, transverse process, or spinous process) without penetrating it. The band clamp secures the band to the spinal rod, creating a fixation system that achieves immobilization strength while avoiding direct screw penetration into weak bone structures. This mediator approach allows force distribution across a broader area of the bone surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional screw-based mechanical penetration system with a band-based circumferential wrapping system. Instead of relying on screw threads engaging with bone threads, the system uses friction and compression from the band wrapped around the bone structure, secured by the band clamp mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for bone penetration while maintaining fixation capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If bone screws are used for fixation, then complete immobilization is achieved, but adjacent vertebrae cannot maintain a degree of freedom for movement
Solution Approach 1:
The band clamp system allows for localized fixation at specific vertebral levels while preserving motion at adjacent levels. The band can be selectively wrapped around specific bone structures (lamina, transverse process, or spinous process) to provide targeted stabilization where needed, while allowing natural movement at other segments of the spine. This local quality approach enables differentiated treatment of different spinal segments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible band is used for spinal fixation, then adaptability to various bone structures is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional clamping mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The band clamp is designed as a universal fixation device that can accommodate different bone structures (lamina, transverse process, spinous process) and different band configurations. The clamping mechanism provides multi-functional capability by securing both the band and the spinal rod through a single device. This universality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices for different anatomical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The band clamp merges multiple functions into a single device: it secures the band to the bone structure, attaches the spinal rod, and provides adjustable tensioning capability. By combining these functions into one integrated component, the overall device complexity is reduced compared to using separate devices for each function.
4Ease of operation
If traditional surgical incisions are used for implant placement, then adequate access is achieved, but tissue disruption and surgical trauma increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical procedure is segmented into separate steps: first placing the band around the bone structure through a small incision, then attaching the band clamp and spinal rod through another small incision. This segmentation allows each component to be implanted through minimally invasive approaches rather than requiring a single large incision for all implant placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The band is placed around the bone structure before the band clamp and spinal rod are attached. This preliminary action allows the band to be positioned through a small incision, and subsequent components can be added through separate small incisions, minimizing overall tissue disruption while maintaining surgical accessibility.
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
The band clamp system provides a secure and adjustable means of anchoring spinal rods to bone structures, offering flexibility and stability, suitable for various spinal conditions, including those where traditional screws are not feasible, while minimizing tissue disruption during surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping mechanism that modulates the width of at least a portion of each of the pair of band channels
Implementation Method 2
a threaded post fastened to the base, such that the base cannot translate in the distal/proximal direction relative to the threaded post; a nut on the threaded post; wherein tightening the nut imparts compressive force
Implementation Method 3
a band friction surface; a band friction counter-surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securing a spinal rod to a bone structure using a connector is provided. The connector functions by modulating friction on a band in two band channels and locking the spinal rod in a separate rod channel. An instrument is also provided for tensioning the band.