Spinal Bone Anchor Assembly In-Situ Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fixation systems for spinal disorders are complex and difficult for surgeons to use, particularly in terms of assembly and access during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A bone anchor assembly that includes a bone anchor with an enlarged head, an insert member, a body with a rod-receiving channel, and a locking cap. The assembly allows for in-situ assembly, enabling the bone anchor to be secured to the vertebra before being connected to the body, maximizing visibility and access during implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bone anchor assembly is pre-assembled with the body and bushing before implantation, then the assembly is more compact and easier to handle, but the surgeon has reduced visibility and access around the anchoring site during surgical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The bone fixation system is divided into separate components (bone anchor, body, bushing, locking cap) that can be implanted independently. The bone anchor is first secured to the vertebra without the body and bushing attached, allowing the surgeon to see and access the anchoring site clearly. After implantation, the body and bushing are added in situ, and finally the locking cap is applied to secure the spinal rod. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling good visibility during the critical anchoring phase while still providing a complete assembly for rod fixation.
2Device complexity
If the bone anchor assembly is pre-assembled with the body and bushing, then the device is more compact and easier to store, but the assembly process during surgery becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchor is prepared and implanted separately before the body and bushing are added. This preliminary action allows the anchoring to be completed first with minimal components, reducing the time required during surgery. The body and bushing are then added as separate steps, and finally the locking cap is applied to complete the assembly. This approach reduces surgical time compared to assembling everything beforehand and then implanting as a single complex unit.
3Ease of operation
If the bone anchor is secured to the vertebra before connecting to the body, then the surgeon has maximum access and visibility during implantation, but the assembly requires more steps and is less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The implantation process is segmented into distinct phases: first the bone anchor is secured to the vertebra alone for maximum access and visibility; then the body and bushing are added; finally the locking cap is applied to secure the spinal rod. This segmentation maintains surgical efficiency by completing the critical anchoring step quickly while still providing a complete functional assembly, resolving the contradiction between access and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed an anchor assembly for use in spinal fixation to interconnect a longitudinal spinal rod with a patient's vertebra. The anchor assembly preferably includes a bone anchor, a body with a rod-receiving channel, an insert member (preferably a bushing), and a locking cap with a saddle. The anchor assembly preferably enables in-situ assembly where the bone anchor may be secured to the patient's vertebra prior to being received within the body of the bone anchor assembly. Accordingly, the anchor assembly enables a surgeon to implant the bone anchor without the body to maximize visibility and access around the anchoring site. Once the bone anchor has been secured to the patient's vertebra, the body may be snapped onto the bone anchor and a spinal rod may be inserted into the rod-receiving channel.