Spinal Cross Connector with Linear Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal cross connectors are difficult to install and maintain in the correct position and orientation with respect to spinal fixation rods, often requiring multiple parts and increasing surgical complexity and manufacturing costs, especially when the rods are not parallel.
Innovation Solution
A spinal cross connector with an elongate body featuring rod-receiving recesses and a locking mechanism that allows for linear movement of rod-engaging members to securely lock spinal fixation rods, including a central bore and threads for precise alignment and secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional clamp assemblies with multiple parts are used, then the cross connector can be manufactured with standard components, but the surgical application becomes tedious and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate clamp components into a single integrated cross connector body. The connector features a unified structure with rod-receiving recesses and locking mechanisms built into the main body, eliminating the need for separate clamp assemblies and reducing the number of surgical steps required for installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross connector is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides rod reception, positioning, and locking capabilities within a single component. The integrated design allows the connector to perform multiple functions that previously required separate components, simplifying both manufacturing and surgical application.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional multi-part clamp assemblies are used, then component availability is improved, but the number of parts increases and surgical time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete parts into a single integrated cross connector, reducing the total quantity of components from several separate clamp parts to one unified device. This consolidation directly reduces surgical time by minimizing the number of components that need to be handled, positioned, and assembled during the procedure.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the cross connector can be manufactured with standard components, but the application becomes difficult when rods are not parallel
Solution Approach 1:
The cross connector features rod-receiving recesses with specific geometric configurations designed to accommodate rods in various orientations. The recesses include angled surfaces and adjustable locking mechanisms that can adapt to non-parallel rod configurations, providing localized adaptability while maintaining an integrated manufacturing approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates movable or adjustable elements that can dynamically adapt to the specific angular relationship between rods. This dynamic capability allows the fixed integrated structure to accommodate variable rod orientations, enhancing versatility without requiring multiple different connector types.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable spinal cross connector is provided for connecting one or more spinal fixation devices, and more preferably for connecting two spinal fixation rods that are implanted within a patient's spinal system. In general, an exemplary cross connector in accordance with the present invention includes an elongate body with at least one rod-receiving recess formed therein, and a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the elongate body and that is effective to lock a spinal fixation rod within the rod-receiving recess(es). The present invention also provides an inserter tool to facilitate implanting a spinal implant or device, such as a spinal cross connector.