Spinal Connector Coronal Adjustability and Rod Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical treatments for spinal disorders, such as scoliosis and degenerative disc disease, often require rigid spinal constructs that lack flexibility and adjustability, leading to limitations in surgical procedures and increased inventory requirements.
Innovation Solution
A spinal construct with a connector that allows coronal adjustability, featuring a fastener attached to sacral and/or pelvic tissue, and a locking mechanism with a connector that can engage spinal rods of varying diameters, enabling flexible assembly and reduced inventory needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid spinal constructs are used to provide stability, then stability is improved, but flexibility and adjustability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal construct is divided into separate modular components including a fastener, connector, and rod that can be assembled and adjusted independently. The connector is selectively movable in the coronal plane relative to the body, allowing adjustment while maintaining overall construct stability through its engagement with the fastener and rod.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with selective movability in the coronal plane, transforming the rigid construct into a dynamic system that can be adjusted intraoperatively. This allows the construct to adapt to anatomical variations and surgical requirements while maintaining stability through the locking mechanism once positioned.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-size spinal rods are used to accommodate varying patient needs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a universal engagement mechanism that can accommodate spinal rods of varying diameters through its locking surface geometry. This single connector design performs multiple functions by adapting to different rod sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors and reducing inventory complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking surface of the connector is designed to engage with rods of varying diameters by changing the engagement parameters rather than requiring different connector geometries. This allows a single connector design to accommodate multiple rod sizes through parameter variation in the engagement interface.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom-sized spinal implants are manufactured for each patient, then precision and fit are improved, but manufacturing complexity and time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-designed with a locking surface that can engage various rod diameters, eliminating the need for custom manufacturing. The selective movability in the coronal plane is pre-engineered into the connector geometry, allowing precise alignment to be achieved through intraoperative adjustment rather than custom fabrication.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal construct comprises a fastener attached with sacral and/or pelvic tissue of a body. A connector is selectively movable in a coronal plane relative to the body. The connector has a first end connected with the fastener and a second end having a locking surface engageable with an implant. A lock element is engageable with the connector and defines an implant cavity. Systems and methods are disclosed.