Spinal Fastener Nested Receiver Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical methods for treating spinal disorders, such as scoliosis and degenerative disc disease, often require bulky constructs that increase stress on the spinal rod and limit versatility in connection configurations, which can complicate procedures and reduce effectiveness in stabilizing the spine.

Innovation Solution

A spinal construct featuring a fastener with a receiver that includes a U-shaped implant cavity and a penetrating shaft, allowing for multi-axial screw and rod interconnections within the existing rod slot, reducing the profile and stress on the rod construct while providing versatile connection options, including below, above, or through the set screw, and utilizing biocompatible materials like PEEK and titanium for enhanced biomechanical performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional spinal constructs use bulky components for stability, then spinal stability is improved, but device complexity and stress on the rod increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidconstruct complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener integrates multiple functional components within a compact structure: the receiver is embedded within the fastener body, and the rod slot is positioned within the receiver, creating a nested configuration that reduces overall construct size while maintaining stability functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener combines multiple fixation functions into a single integrated component that can connect to both the rod and vertebral bone, eliminating the need for separate bulky components and reducing the number of fixation points required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional spinal constructs use multiple fixation points for stability, then spinal stability is improved, but stress on the rod increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidstress on rod
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated fastener design consolidates multiple fixation functions into a single component that simultaneously connects to the rod and vertebral bone, reducing the number of separate fixation points and thereby decreasing cumulative stress on the rod

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional spinal constructs use standardized configurations for simplicity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different surgical needs decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconnection versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener is designed with a universal rod slot configuration that can accommodate various rod types and orientations, and the receiver can be positioned at different locations on the fastener body, providing versatility for different surgical approaches while maintaining a standardized manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener design allows for dynamic configuration where the receiver can be positioned at different locations on the fastener body, enabling adaptation to different surgical needs without requiring multiple specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11497534B2Spinal implant system and method
Publication Date: 2022.11.15 WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC
  • US11497534B2 patent drawing
  • US11497534B2 patent drawing
  • US11497534B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A spinal construct comprises a fastener including a first portion defining an implant cavity and a second portion configured to penetrate tissue. A member defines a cavity configured for disposal of at least a portion of the first portion. The member includes an implant engaging surface fixable within the implant cavity and connected to a connecting element fixable adjacent the first portion. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.