Spinal Bone Hook Fixation for Non-Penetrating Rod Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fixation technologies, such as pedicle screw systems, face challenges in pediatric and trauma patients due to small or weak vertebrae, necessitating the development of alternative bone fixation devices that can secure spinal rods without penetrating the bone.
Innovation Solution
A bone hook apparatus with a base, hooks, and a rod receptacle that secures to bones like ribs or vertebral lamina, allowing attachment of spinal rods without penetrating the bone, featuring hooks of varying dimensions and a locking mechanism to stabilize the rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pedicle screw systems are used for spinal fixation, then effective immobilization is achieved, but the small or weak vertebrae in pediatric and trauma patients cannot adequately support the screws
Solution Approach 1:
The bone hook apparatus divides the fixation function into separate components: hooks that engage with the bone and a rod receptacle that secures the spinal rod. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to different bone sizes while maintaining fixation reliability, as each component can be independently optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a point-based fixation system (pedicle screws requiring penetration into the vertebral body) to a surface-based engagement system (hooks attaching to the bone surface). This dimensional change enables the device to work with small or weak vertebrae by distributing the fixation load across a larger surface area.
2Strength
If pedicle screws are used to secure spinal rods, then stable fixation is achieved, but bone penetration is required which is not suitable for all patient populations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the limitation of non-penetrating fixation into a benefit by designing hooks that engage with the bone surface without requiring penetration. This approach eliminates the harmful effects of bone penetration while maintaining adequate fixation strength through surface-based engagement and distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone hook apparatus acts as an intermediary between the spinal rod and the bone. Instead of directly penetrating the bone with a screw, the hooks serve as a mediating structure that attaches to the bone surface and provides the necessary mechanical connection, thereby reducing the harmful effects of direct bone penetration.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform hook dimensions are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the device cannot accommodate varying bone sizes in pediatric and adult patients
Solution Approach 1:
The bone hook apparatus segments the hook structure into multiple components with different dimensions and configurations. This segmentation allows the device to accommodate varying bone sizes in pediatric and adult patients while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design and standardized production processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces variability in hook dimensions and configurations to dynamically adapt to different bone sizes. By providing hooks with different lengths, widths, and shapes, the device can be customized for pediatric or adult patients, balancing manufacturing simplicity with adaptability through controlled variation rather than complete customization.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone hook apparatus is provided that includes a base, a rod receptacle disposed on a proximal side of the base, a first hook distally extending from the base and oriented in a first direction, and a second hook distally extending from the base and oriented in a second direction opposing the first direction, the first hook and second hook together configured to receive the bone. Kits and spinal constructs employing the bone hook apparatus are also described.