Spinal Connector Assembly with Rotatable Rod Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implant connectors and coupling devices have a large footprint, are difficult to assemble, and lack sufficient adjustability to accommodate variations in the position and angular orientation of vertebral screws relative to spinal rods, making it challenging to provide secure connections at different angles, especially in the coronal plane of the spine.
Innovation Solution
A spinal connector assembly with a rotatable rod receiver positioned above the spinal rod, allowing for seating at various angles without bending the rod, featuring a low profile design with components such as a washer and compression member to facilitate rotation and secure attachment to iliac screws, enabling adjustable angular fixation in the coronal plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If current connectors and coupling devices are used to interconnect rods with bone fasteners, then connections can be established, but the connectors have a large footprint and are difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple components: a rod receiver that receives the rod, a bone fastener receiver that engages the bone fastener, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the assembly process, as components can be attached in sequence rather than requiring complex simultaneous alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a rotatable rod receiver that can be positioned at various angles relative to the bone fastener. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the connector to accommodate different anatomical configurations and surgical requirements, improving ease of assembly by eliminating the need for precise pre-positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current connectors are used to accommodate variations in position and angular orientation of bone fasteners relative to rods, then some adjustability is provided, but sufficient adjustability is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The rod receiver is designed to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the bone fastener, enabling adjustment of the rod angle in the coronal plane. This dynamic rotational capability provides sufficient angular adjustability to accommodate various anatomical variations and surgical requirements without requiring overly complex multi-axis adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector provides adjustment capability in the coronal plane through rotation of the rod receiver, adding angular freedom in a specific dimension. This targeted dimensional adjustment is sufficient for the surgical application and avoids the complexity of providing adjustment in all three spatial dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If rods are connected to iliac screws with connectors at non-90 degree angles, then connections can be made, but the rod must be bent by the surgeon which complicates the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The rod receiver can be rotated to different angular positions, allowing the surgeon to align the rod with the desired trajectory without bending it. The dynamic angular adjustment eliminates the need for rod bending, simplifying the surgical procedure and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the rod to conform to a fixed connector angle, the connector is designed to adapt to the rod's required angle. This inversion of the constraint relationship eliminates the need for rod manipulation and bending, making the procedure easier and more precise.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector assembly comprising a connector, spinal rod receiver, a washer and a compression member is provided. The connector extends between a first end and a second end configured for coupling to a bone fastener. The first end of the connector contains an upper surface and a lower splined surface configured for mating with a lower splined surface of a washer disposed between the first end of the connector and the rod receiver. The rod receiver containing a receiver body coupled to a threaded shaft. The rod receiver is configured for receiving a spinal rod and is attachable to the first end of the connector for selectively adjusting the direction of at least a portion of a spinal rod. The compression member connects the receiver with the first end of the connector for securing the spinal rod into the receiver body. Methods of use are also disclosed.