Spinal Connector Extension Portion for Small Animal Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal implant systems face challenges in achieving effective fixation in the cervical spine of small animals due to limited space and poor bone quality, which can lead to instability and risk of nerve damage.
Innovation Solution
A spinal implant system comprising a first intervertebral device, elongate members, and connectors with extension portions that allow for secure coupling to vertebrae, enabling gradual assembly and adjustment to accommodate the unique anatomy of small animals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rod anchoring systems are used in the cervical spine of small animals, then fixation can be achieved, but the limited space and poor bone quality make it difficult to achieve good fixation and increase the risk of nerve damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional portions: a body portion for bone screw fixation and an extension portion for rod attachment. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function - the body portion can be sized and shaped for secure bone anchorage while the extension portion provides the necessary reach to the nerve structure, thereby achieving reliable fixation while minimizing nerve damage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portion extends the rod anchoring system in a direction away from the nerve structure, creating spatial separation between the fixation point and the vulnerable nerve area. This dimensional extension allows the rod to be anchored securely in the bone while maintaining a safe distance from the nerve, thus improving fixation reliability without increasing nerve damage risk
2Strength
If cortical bone screws are used for fixation in small animals, then anchorage can be achieved, but the confined space makes conventional rod anchoring systems unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional portions: a body portion for bone screw fixation and an extension portion for rod attachment. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function - the body portion can be sized and shaped for secure bone anchorage while the extension portion provides the necessary reach to the nerve structure, thereby achieving reliable fixation while minimizing nerve damage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions: it provides bone screw fixation through the body portion, extends the rod anchoring system through the extension portion, and creates spatial separation to protect nerve structures. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple requirements (strong fixation, appropriate reach, and nerve protection) without requiring a complex assembly of separate parts
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~7C
AI summary
A connector (30) for a spinal implant system (10), the connector comprising a body portion (32) and an extension portion (40), the body portion being adapted to couple thereto at least a first bone screw (22) for installation in a vertebra, the body portion further being adapted for coupling at least a first elongate member (60) thereto, the extension portion extending from the body portion, the extension portion being adapted for coupling thereto at least a first intervertebral device (50) for installation in a spinal disc space. Preferably at least part of the extension portion is bendable.