Spinal Clamp With Elastic Member for Secure Rod Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization systems, particularly those using screws and hooks, face challenges such as disengagement post-surgery, leading to potential additional surgical interventions and tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
The development of spinal clamps that utilize elastic members, like elastic bands, to securely grasp onto bone members, reducing the risk of disengagement by using a combination of set screws, bushings, and grooves to maintain tension and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screws and hooks are used for spinal stabilization, then the system provides structural support, but the risk of disengagement post-surgery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastic member (elastic band) that wraps around the bone member to provide flexible yet secure attachment. This elastic member is received within the clamp structure, combining the benefits of flexibility for secure grasping with the structural support of the rigid clamp, thereby reducing disengagement risk while maintaining stabilization reliability.
2Reliability
If elastic members are used to grasp bone members, then the risk of disengagement is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is received within the clamp structure, with the clamp providing an outer framework and the elastic member nested inside to perform the grasping function. This nesting arrangement integrates multiple functions into a compact structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the benefits of both the elastic member and clamp.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the elastic member, and includes openings for receiving both the elastic member and rod. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple components (set screw, bushing, elastic member) are used in the clamp, then the secure fixation of rod is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into distinct functional components: a clamp body, a separate elastic member, a set screw, and a bushing. Each component is manufactured independently with specific functions, allowing for specialized manufacturing processes optimized for each part while maintaining overall assembly simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing acts as an intermediary component between the set screw and the elastic member, facilitating smooth interaction and reducing wear. This intermediary element simplifies the manufacturing requirements by providing a dedicated interface component that can be easily manufactured and assembled, thereby managing manufacturing complexity while enhancing fixation reliability.
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 use of elastic members in spinal clamps enhances the stability and security of spinal stabilization systems, minimizing the risk of post-surgical disengagement and tissue damage, while allowing for adjustable positioning and secure fixation of elongate rods.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member received in the second opening of the clamp, wherein the elastic member is configured to be in contact with the elongate rod received in the clamp
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present application generally relates to orthopedic stabilization systems, and in particular, to systems including clamps. The clamps can be used in addition to or to replace hooks that grasp onto bone members, such as the lamina. One example of such a clamp is an in-line clamp that includes a central opening for receiving a rod member, a first opening for receiving a set screw and a second opening for receiving an elastic member therethrough. Another example of such a clamp is an off-set clamp that includes an upper plate, a bottom plate, and an opening for receiving a rod therein. The upper plate can be separated from the bottom plate to make space for an elastic member that can be secured within the plates. Tulip clamps that utilize one or more elastic members are also provided.