Spinal Correction System with Load-Distributing Constructs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical systems for treating spinal disorders lack efficient methods for manipulating and stabilizing vertebrae, particularly in correcting angular and fixed kyphotic deformities, leading to issues like screw plow and bone fracture.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system comprising spinal constructs with connectors that distribute load across multiple bone screws, allowing for quick bridging of screws in-situ, and instruments that enable compression, distraction, and manipulation of vertebrae, reducing the risk of screw plow and bone fracture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spinal correction methods are used, then spinal disorders can be treated, but screw plow and bone fracture occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal construct is divided into multiple segments (first spinal construct, second spinal construct, third spinal construct, fourth spinal construct) that can be independently connected to different bone fasteners. This segmentation allows distributed load sharing across multiple connection points, preventing any single screw from bearing excessive force that would cause plowing or fracture.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple spinal constructs are merged with multiple bone fasteners to form an integrated fixation system. The connectors bridge multiple screws and spinal constructs together, creating a unified structure that distributes mechanical loads across the entire construct assembly rather than concentrating force on individual screws.
2Manufacturing precision
If spinal constructs are used for stabilization, then vertebrae alignment is improved, but the complexity of the surgical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent spinal constructs (first, second, third, fourth) that can be assembled and connected separately. Each construct can be independently positioned and connected to bone fasteners, allowing for modular assembly that simplifies the surgical process while achieving precise multi-level alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
Connectors serve as intermediary components that bridge the spinal constructs and bone fasteners together. These connectors simplify the connection process by providing standardized interfaces, reducing the complexity of directly attaching multiple constructs to multiple fasteners while maintaining precise alignment.
3Strength
If multiple bone fasteners are used, then load distribution is improved, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bone fasteners are merged into a unified connection system through the spinal constructs and connectors. The connectors provide standardized interfaces that allow multiple fasteners to be connected in a systematic manner, distributing load across all fasteners while maintaining procedural simplicity through consistent connection protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The spinal constructs and connectors are designed and positioned before final connection to the bone fasteners. This preliminary arrangement allows for pre-planning of the connection sequence and load distribution path, making the surgical procedure more straightforward despite the presence of multiple fasteners.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes providing first and second instruments. First and second fasteners are attached with vertebrae. First fasteners are connected with first and second constructs. Second fasteners are connected with a third and fourth constructs. The first construct is connected with a body of the first instrument and the second construct is connected with another body of the first instrument. The third construct is connected with a body of the second instrument and the fourth construct is connected with another body of the second instrument. Joints of the instruments are tightened. At least one of the instruments is selectively distracted. At least one of the instruments is selectively compressed. The spinal constructs are removed from the fasteners. The first fasteners are connected with a first spinal rod. The second fasteners are connected with a second spinal rod. In some embodiments, spinal constructs, implants, systems and kits are disclosed.