Spinal Cross-Connector With Curved Guide Wire Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fixation systems for spinal stabilization often require invasive procedures, causing damage to spinal ligaments and bone, and lack adjustability to accommodate variations in anatomical geometry.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation system comprising a connector assembly with a plurality of bone fastener assemblies, elongate members, a connector member, and locking caps, which allows for adjustable coupling and minimally invasive installation, reducing damage to anatomical structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If typical cross connectors are inserted through fully open or mini-open procedure, then the connector can be installed, but spinal ligaments and bone are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A curved guide wire is introduced as an intermediary tool to create a curved trajectory through the spinous process and into the vertebral body, allowing the cross connector to be inserted along this pre-established path without directly damaging spinal ligaments and bone structures
Solution Approach 2:
The curved guide wire is first inserted and positioned to define the optimal insertion path before the cross connector is introduced, allowing the surgeon to establish the correct trajectory in advance and avoid damage to anatomical structures during the actual connector insertion
2Reliability
If pedicle screws and rods are used to stabilize adjacent spinal segments, then spinal fixation is achieved, but the system lacks adaptability to variations in anatomical geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The cross connector incorporates a curved guide wire that can be positioned at different angles and depths within the vertebral body, allowing the system to adapt to variations in anatomical geometry while maintaining stable fixation through the elongate member that extends through the guide wire
3Stability of the object's composition
If elongate members are geometrically aligned, then the structure is stable, but this is seldom achieved in clinical applications due to variations in anatomical geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows for changes in the geometric parameters of the elongate member by introducing it at different angles and positions through the curved guide wire, enabling the surgeon to adjust the alignment to accommodate anatomical variations while still achieving stable fixation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for implanting a bone fixation system including an implant head inserter associated with each hook member and positionable relative to one of the elongate members to engage the hook member with the elongate member; a preliminary locking instrument associated with each implant head inserter and configured to engage the respective elongate member and lock the position of the hook member and implant head inserter relative to the elongate member; a compressor assembly configured to engage the implant head inserters and compress them toward one another; a path creation tool configured to be extended through holes in the hook members to define a connector member path between the hook members; and a rod introduction instrument configured to support the connector member and direct it through the connector member path. Methods of implanting a bone fixation system are also provided.