Modular Spinal Fixation System with Adjustable Transverse Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fixation systems lack the ability to accommodate varying patient anatomical characteristics, requiring a modular system that can be customized for each patient's specific needs.
Innovation Solution
A spinal fixation system comprising elongate members, pedicle screws, and adjustable transverse connectors that can be customized to fit the patient's spine, allowing for adjustable length and angle to provide optimal stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed configuration spinal fixation system is used, then the system is simple to manufacture and install, but it cannot accommodate varying patient anatomical characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal fixation system is divided into modular components including multiple elongate members of different lengths, various pedicle screws, and transverse connectors that can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation allows the system to be customized for each patient's specific anatomical characteristics while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized接口 and assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate members are designed with universal compatibility features, including outer surfaces that can interface with multiple types of pedicle screw heads and transverse connectors. This multi-functionality allows a single elongate member design to work with various screw and connector configurations, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability to different patient anatomies
2Strength
If transverse connectors are added to interconnect elongate members, then the rigidity of the fixation system is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse connectors incorporate adjustable features including variable length along the longitudinal axis and rotatable ends with adjustable angles. This dynamic adjustability allows the connectors to be optimized for each specific surgical case to achieve the required rigidity, while the modular design keeps the increase in device complexity manageable through standardized components
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal fixation system suitable for effecting fixation between adjacent vertebral levels within the spine. The spinal fixation system of the present invention includes a pair single axis or “fixed” pedicle screw assemblies, a pair of poly-axial pedicle screw assemblies, a pair of cannulated rod members, and a transverse connector spanning between the pair of cannulated rod members.