Spinal Connector Extension Rod for Revision Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implant systems face challenges in effectively extending existing spinal constructs without disrupting the existing hardware or causing additional tissue damage, particularly in revision surgeries where additional support and alignment are needed to address degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and other curvature abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
A spinal connector system with a multi-axial extension rod configuration that allows for angular adjustment and locking, enabling the extension of existing spinal constructs through a minimally invasive approach, using a connector with a spherical end that can rotate freely and be locked in place using a set screw, allowing for side or top loading of the rod for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If existing spinal implants are removed to extend the spinal construct, then the spinal construct can be extended to span multiple levels, but tissue disruption and healing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The new rod is nested within the existing spinal construct by inserting it through the existing rod via the connector body. The connector receives the existing rod and allows the new rod to be inserted through it, creating a nested configuration that extends the spinal construct without removing the existing implant.
2Length of moving object
If existing spinal implants are removed to extend the spinal construct, then the spinal construct can be extended to span multiple levels, but healing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-configured with the existing rod already in place before the new rod is inserted. This preliminary arrangement allows the new rod to be added without disrupting the existing implant, thereby reducing surgical time and promoting faster healing while achieving the desired multi-level spinal construct extension.
3Device complexity
If a fixed configuration connector is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot provide angular adjustment for proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a set screw mechanism that allows the rod to be rotated relative to the connector body for angular adjustment during surgery. After positioning, the set screw locks the rod in place. This dynamic design provides both adjustability during implantation and stability during use, balancing structural simplicity with adaptability.
4Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to secure the rod, then the rod can be securely fixed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The set screw mechanism allows the surgeon to independently adjust and lock the rod position without requiring complex external locking tools or mechanisms. The self-contained design integrates the locking function directly into the connector, securing the rod reliably while maintaining relative structural simplicity and ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A spinal construct includes a body having a wall disposed between a first cavity and a second cavity. The second cavity being configured for disposal of an existing spinal implant. A rod is disposed with the first cavity and connectable with tissue. The rod is rotatable relative to the body. Systems, surgical instruments, implants and methods are disclosed.