Low-Profile Spinal Connector with Biased Rod Pusher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implant connectors face challenges in connecting multiple implants in limited spaces, such as the cervical spine, due to space constraints and cumbersome handling during surgeries, necessitating improved designs for efficient and secure connections.
Innovation Solution
The development of implant connectors with low-profile designs and biased rod-pusher mechanisms that allow for 'snap' attachment and provisional positioning, providing tactile feedback and secure locking of spinal rods using set screws, facilitating independent or simultaneous locking of multiple rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional implant connectors are used in limited spaces such as the cervical spine, then the connector can provide stable connection, but the connector becomes difficult to manipulate and handle during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a body portion with rod-receiving recesses, a separate rod pusher mechanism, and locking set screws. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the body can be low-profile for limited spaces while the rod pusher provides easy manipulation through snap-fit action.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod pusher is pre-loaded with a bias element (spring) that automatically engages with the rod upon insertion. This preliminary action allows the connector to self-position and self-lock without requiring complex manual adjustment during surgery, improving ease of operation while maintaining simple overall structure.
2Strength
If multiple rods are connected in limited surgical spaces, then the overall strength and stability of the construct is improved, but the available space for implantation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector features nested rod-receiving recesses where multiple rods can be accommodated within a compact volume. The recesses are positioned to allow rods to nest closely together, maximizing the use of available space while maintaining the structural strength needed to connect multiple spinal rods securely.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes three-dimensional positioning of rod-receiving recesses at different locations and orientations on the connector body. This allows multiple rods to be connected in a compact arrangement by exploiting spatial dimensions rather than requiring linear space, thus achieving high construct stability within limited implantation volume.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented for rod connection, then the risk of disconnection is reduced, but the complexity of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bias element (spring) is pre-loaded into the rod pusher mechanism, which automatically engages with the rod upon insertion and maintains continuous contact pressure. This self-service mechanism provides reliable connection security without requiring complex external locking systems or multiple adjustment steps, keeping the overall connector design simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod pusher mechanism provides tactile feedback to the surgeon during rod insertion and locking. As the rod is inserted and the set screw is tightened, the surgeon can feel the rod engage with the pusher and the locking action, providing immediate feedback that confirms secure connection without requiring complex instrumentation or multiple verification steps.
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
These connectors enable secure and efficient connections in limited spaces, providing tactile feedback for secure attachment and reducing the risk of disconnection, while allowing for independent or simultaneous locking of multiple rods, enhancing surgical efficiency and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a bias element configured to bias the nut and the rod pusher along the rod pusher axis towards the first rod-receiving recess
Implementation Method 2
a first set screw threadably received in the nut to lock a first rod within the first rod-receiving recess
Data Source
AI summary
Implant connectors and related methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a connector can include a low-profile portion to facilitate use of the connector in surgical applications where space is limited. In some embodiments, a connector can include a biased rod-pusher to allow the connector to “snap” onto a rod and/or to “drag” against the rod, e.g., for provisional positioning of the connector prior to locking.