Spinal Distraction Assembly with Guide Bar and Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal distraction systems are inadequate for effectively adjusting the spacing between adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures, necessitating a more reliable method to distract or compress the disc space between vertebral bodies.
Innovation Solution
A spinal distraction assembly comprising a first anchor engaging element with a body and channel, and a second anchor engaging element with a guide bar, allowing for expansion or contraction of anchor engaging arms to distract or compress the disc space between vertebrae, equipped with a locking mechanism and adjuster for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current spinal distraction systems are used, then surgical procedures can be performed, but the spacing adjustment between adjacent vertebrae is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The distraction device is divided into multiple independent components: a body portion with a channel, a guide bar that translates through the channel, and multiple anchor engaging arms that can be independently positioned and engaged with bone anchors. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively achieving reliable spacing adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static structure to a dynamic system where the guide bar can translate along the channel, allowing the anchor engaging arms to move between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to different spinal configurations and provide controlled distraction or compression as needed.
2Reliability
If anchor engaging arms are extended to engage with bone anchors, then reliable vertebral anchoring is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor engaging arms serve multiple functions: they can be positioned at different locations along the guide bar, engaged with bone anchors to provide anchoring, and moved independently to provide either distraction or compression. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving reliable anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide bar nests within the body channel, and the anchor engaging arms are positioned along the guide bar. When engaged with bone anchors, the arms are contained within the structural framework of the device. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to coexist within a compact structure, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal distraction assembly is provided for distracting the disc space between a pair of vertebrae, the vertebrae each having been implanted with a bone anchor. The spinal distraction assembly includes a first anchor engaging element and a second anchor engaging element. The first anchor engaging element includes a body having a channel extending through the longitudinal axis of the body. The second anchor engaging element includes a guide bar. The guide bar is dimensioned to translate through the body channel. Anchor engaging arms extend laterally from each of the body and guide bar.