Spinal Stabilization Connecting Member With Anchor Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization systems face challenges in providing adaptable dynamic stabilization, particularly when anchor spacing is less than optimal, limiting their effectiveness in achieving desired stabilization effects across various spinal procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of connecting member systems that include a pair of endwalls and sidewalls defining a window to receive proximal receivers of anchors, with mounting portions extending axially to secure the anchors, allowing for flexible or rigid stabilization between vertebral levels, even when anchor spacing is suboptimal, and enabling dynamic or rigid fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional spinal stabilization systems are used with fixed anchor spacing, then rigid fixation is achieved, but adaptability to various spinal procedures and anchor spacings is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member is designed with a universal window structure that can accommodate anchors at various spacings and orientations. The window geometry and mounting portions are configured to work with different anchor configurations, allowing a single device to serve multiple stabilization requirements without requiring procedure-specific customizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member incorporates dynamic characteristics through its window design that allows adjustment and adaptation to different anchor positions. The structure enables dynamic positioning of anchors within the window boundaries, providing versatility for various spinal procedures while maintaining structural integrity.
2Length of moving object
If anchor spacing is less than optimal, then space constraints are addressed, but adequate stabilization effect cannot be achieved with conventional systems
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member features localized mounting portions within the window structure that are specifically designed to engage anchors at reduced spacings. The mounting portions can be positioned at various locations within the window to optimize engagement with anchors placed at less than optimal distances, ensuring adequate stabilization despite space constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The window structure provides additional spatial dimensions for anchor engagement. By utilizing the two-dimensional window area rather than a single linear position, the system can accommodate anchors at various spacings and orientations, effectively transforming a one-dimensional spacing problem into a multi-dimensional solution space.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixation is provided, then stability is achieved, but dynamic stabilization requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to provide both rigid and flexible stabilization as needed. The window structure and mounting portions can accommodate dynamic positioning and adjustment, enabling the system to adapt to dynamic stabilization requirements while maintaining adequate stability through proper anchor engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
Stabilization systems for stabilizing one or more vertebral levels are provided. The systems include anchors engageable to the vertebrae and at least one connecting member that includes a window to receive the anchors and mounting portions extending from opposite ends of the connecting member into the window for engagement with the anchors. The connecting member can flex in response to spinal loading to provide dynamic stabilization, although rigid engagement relationships are also contemplated.