Spinal Cross-Connector with Multi-Axis Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal rod connecting devices face challenges in accommodating non-parallel spinal rods due to limited adjustability and complex locking mechanisms, which complicate surgical procedures and may require significant manipulation and bending of rods, leading to material fatigue and difficulty in securing rods to the occipital region of the skull.
Innovation Solution
A cross-connector device with unitary clamping members and a central bridge member that allows for translation, pivoting, and rotation, utilizing locking actuators to secure spinal rods with a single locking mechanism, and adjustable rod receiving members with ball-and-socket connections for versatile orientation and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple articulation points and locking mechanisms are provided to accommodate non-parallel spinal rods, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (translation, rotation, pivoting) into a single crosslinking device structure. The connecting assembly integrates a first arm connected to a first spinal rod and a second arm connected to a second spinal rod, with the arms joined at a common junction that provides multi-axis movement capability, eliminating the need for separate articulation points and multiple locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it connects two spinal rods, accommodates non-parallel orientations through multi-axis movement, and secures the rods in various positions. The first and second arms can each independently move relative to the other along multiple axes, allowing the device to adapt to different spinal rod configurations without requiring additional specialized components.
2Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are provided to secure articulation points, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking functions into a unified securing mechanism. The connecting assembly includes a single locking structure that can secure both the first and second arms to the common junction simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate locking mechanisms that would require individual adjustment and tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting assembly is designed with self-aligning features that reduce the need for complex manual adjustment. The first and second arms can move freely along multiple axes during installation, allowing the components to self-position and self-align before final securing, thereby simplifying the surgical procedure while maintaining secure locking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If significant manipulation and bending of rods is required to fit connecting devices, then adaptability is improved, but material fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic, movable arms that can translate, rotate, and pivot relative to each other along multiple axes. This dynamic structure allows the connecting assembly to adapt to non-parallel spinal rods through controlled movement of the arms rather than requiring manipulation and bending of the rigid spinal rods themselves, thereby preserving rod strength and preventing material fatigue.
4Ease of operation
If a single locking mechanism is used to secure multiple arms, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to secure multiple arms simultaneously through a unified locking action. The single locking structure engages with both the first and second arms at the common junction, providing secure fixation for all connected components through one operation, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connecting two spinal rods is provided. In one form, the device includes two clamping devices for receiving and locking to spinal rods and a central bridge or plate member that couples the clamping devices. In one aspect, the clamping devices are unitary members with deflectable jaw portions that snap-fit and then locked by operation of actuators. In another aspect, one or both of the clamping devices are adjustably coupled to the central bridge or plate member to allow at least translation and pivoting or rotation of the clamping devices relative to a central axis of the elongate bridge member. The clamping devices may be coupled to the bridge or plate member with the same locking actuator that causes clamping of the clamp device so that the positions of the clamp device and the spinal rod are locked into place by manipulation of only a single locking actuator.