Spinal Connector with Expandable Fastener Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical systems for treating spinal disorders often require multiple implants and instruments, leading to increased complexity and potential instability, especially in aligning and securing vertebral rods with bone screws, which can complicate the healing process and alignment restoration.
Innovation Solution
A spinal construct comprising a first and second fastener, each with a penetrating end, and a connector with expandable members that snap onto the fasteners, allowing for a universal connection system that minimizes the number of components and facilitates alignment with a low profile configuration, enabling easy fixation and adjustment to the spine's curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple implants and instruments are used to treat spinal disorders, then the treatment can address various spinal conditions, but the system complexity increases and stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal construct is designed as a universal system that can treat multiple spinal conditions (degenerative disc disease, osteoporosis, scoliosis, kyphosis, fractures) using a single integrated assembly comprising a connector and multiple fasteners. The connector serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling adjustable positioning, and securing multiple vertebrae simultaneously, thereby reducing the need for separate specialized implants for different conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated spinal construct assembly. The connector is designed to simultaneously engage with multiple fasteners that are inserted into different vertebrae, merging the functions of separate rods, screws, and alignment devices into one cohesive structure that provides stabilization across multiple vertebral levels.
2Strength
If multiple implants and instruments are used to secure vertebral rods with bone screws, then fixation can be achieved, but the alignment process becomes more complex and stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates self-aligning features with fastener receiving openings that automatically guide and position the fasteners during insertion. The structural geometry of the connector provides inherent alignment cues that enable the fasteners to self-position correctly as they are inserted into the vertebrae, eliminating the need for complex external alignment instruments and reducing procedural complexity while maintaining strong fixation.
3Device complexity
If a simplified spinal construct is used to reduce implantation complexity, then the number of components is reduced, but the alignment precision and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with asymmetric fastener receiving openings positioned at specific angles and orientations relative to the connector's longitudinal axis. This asymmetric geometry provides built-in alignment guidance that ensures fasteners are inserted at the correct angles for optimal spinal alignment. The asymmetric design maintains alignment precision while using a single integrated connector rather than multiple adjustable components.
4Volume of moving object
If a low profile configuration is used to minimize invasiveness, then the implant size is reduced, but the structural stability and load-bearing capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector utilizes three-dimensional spatial optimization with a low profile cross-sectional area but extended longitudinal structure that spans multiple vertebral levels. The fasteners project outward from the vertebrae in different spatial dimensions, allowing the connector to engage multiple attachment points in three-dimensional space. This dimensional arrangement provides strong structural stability and load-bearing capacity while maintaining a minimal invasive footprint at any single cross-section.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal construct is provided including a first fastener, a second fastener and a connector. Each fastener includes a first end and a second end configured for penetrating tissue. The connector has two ends. Each end of the connector includes an expandable member. The first end of each fastener is engageable to an expandable member of the connector to fix the fastener to the connector. The first and second ends of the connector are connected by a bridge. The spinal construct also includes securing members for attaching the connector to the fasteners. A method for treating a spinal disorder with the spinal construct is also provided.