Spinal Extender Collar Prevents Splaying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical systems for treating spinal disorders face challenges in maintaining the alignment and stability of extenders during implant placement, leading to potential splaying and premature break-off, which can complicate the surgical procedure and affect the accuracy of implant positioning.
Innovation Solution
A collar system is designed to attach to the proximal end of extenders, featuring a body with defined cavities and passageways that prevent splaying and allow for the passage of surgical instruments, ensuring the extenders remain parallel and stable, thereby facilitating the secure attachment of implants like rods and bone fasteners to the spinal column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extenders are used to position and align implantable rods and fasteners during spinal surgery, then implant positioning accuracy is improved, but the extenders are prone to splaying and premature break-off which compromises surgical stability
Solution Approach 1:
A collar device is introduced as an intermediary component that connects to the proximal ends of multiple extenders. The collar maintains parallel alignment of the extenders and prevents splaying, thereby enhancing the reliability and stability of the extender system while preserving the implant positioning accuracy provided by the extenders.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar adds a new dimensional element to the system by providing a proximal connection structure that constrains the extenders in a parallel configuration. This additional structural dimension prevents lateral deviation and splaying of the extenders, improving overall system stability without interfering with the extenders' primary function of precise implant positioning.
2Reliability
If a collar system is added to prevent splaying of extenders, then extender stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it connects to multiple extenders, maintains their parallel alignment, prevents splaying, and provides structural support during implant placement. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the design minimizes the increase in overall system complexity while maximizing the stability improvement.
3Ease of operation
If the collar includes cavities and passageways for surgical instruments, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the multi-cavity structure
Solution Approach 1:
The collar integrates multiple functional elements into a unified structure: it combines the extender connection function, the alignment maintenance function, and the instrument passageway function into a single component. The cavities and passageways are incorporated into the collar's body in such a way that they do not add significant structural complexity but rather enhance the ease of operation by providing ready access for surgical instruments during the procedure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A collar for extenders and an extender assembly including a collar is disclosed. The collar is configured to receive extenders and maintain the extenders in a parallel orientation so as to prevent splaying and premature beak-off of the extenders from the spine. Methods of use are disclosed.