Spinal Crosslink Device with Adjustable Translational Freedom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interconnection devices for prosthetic implants in orthopedic applications are limiting in certain scenarios, requiring advancements to reduce invasiveness and improve implant integrity for better patient outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A pair of bone attachment devices with a crosslink device that forms a rigid mechanical connection, allowing for adjustable translational and rotational freedom to span distances and angular orientations, secured by a fastener for precise positioning and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current interconnection devices are used to connect bone attachment devices, then the spinal stabilization construct is formed, but the device lacks flexibility in spanning distances and angular orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The crosslink device is divided into multiple independent components: a first member, a second member, and an interconnection device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier assembly and adjustment, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnection device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through translational freedom and rotational freedom mechanisms. These dynamic features enable the crosslink device to adapt to varying distances and angular orientations between bone attachment devices while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable interconnection devices are used to facilitate position selection, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection device provides translational freedom allowing the first member to move relative to the second member along a defined path, and rotational freedom allowing angular adjustment. These dynamic capabilities enable precise position selection without requiring complex multi-degree-of-freedom mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows independent adjustment of multiple parameters including translational distance, rotational angle, and final fixed position. By separating these adjustment parameters into distinct mechanical degrees of freedom, the device achieves high adaptability while keeping each adjustment mechanism relatively simple.
3Reliability
If a rigid mechanical connection is formed between bone attachment devices, then the implant integrity improves, but the ability to adjust position and orientation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The crosslink device transitions from a dynamic adjustable state to a static fixed state. During implantation, the interconnection device allows translation and rotation for positioning. Once positioned, the fastener is engaged to create a rigid fixed relationship, ensuring long-term implant integrity while maintaining adjustability during the implantation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows preliminary adjustment of position and orientation before final fixation. The translator and rotational mechanisms enable the surgeon to optimize the configuration before engaging the fastener, ensuring both adjustability during implantation and structural integrity in the final construct.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a pair of bone attachment devices and a crosslink device for a spinal fixation system or other implant arrangement. The bone attachment devices include a head with socket to receive a spinal rod or other elongate element and the crosslink device includes a pair of bridging members each having an end section for connecting with the bone attachment devices. An interconnection device situated between the bridging members receives the bridging members and allows translational and rotational freedom therebetween while being operable to secure the bridging members in position relative to one another. A pair of engaging members are structured to engage the head of the respective bone attachment device and bear against the respective adjacent end of crosslink device to lock the crosslink and the bone attachment device in a rigid construct are also included.