Spinal Fixation Device with Adjustable Engaging Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation devices lack effective anterior column support and stability, leading to potential expulsion and inadequate fusion area, which complicates the treatment of spinal misalignment and constriction-related disorders.
Innovation Solution
A spinal fixation device with a body, an engaging portion, and an adjustment member that allows for selective positioning and orientation, featuring movable supporting members, rotatable retaining members, and a surgical instrument for precise placement and adjustment, providing enhanced stability and fusion support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spinal fixation devices are used, then the device can be inserted into the spine, but the device lacks effective anterior column support and stability leading to potential expulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal fixation device is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion for insertion, an engaging portion with bone engagement elements for anchoring to the vertebral body, and a retention mechanism with movable supporting members. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the engaging portion providing anterior column support and the retention mechanism preventing expulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism incorporates movable supporting members that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation. The adjustment member with camming slots and camming members allows the engaging portion to be selectively positioned at different orientations relative to the body, enabling the device to adapt to anatomical variations and provide optimal stability while preventing expulsion.
2Reliability
If conventional spinal fixation devices are used, then the device can provide basic support, but the fusion area is inadequate for effective spinal fusion
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging portion is designed to extend laterally beyond the confines of a simple cylindrical cage, creating a larger surface area for bone fusion. The bone engagement elements on the engaging portion provide multiple surfaces and orientations for bone ingrowth, effectively increasing the fusion area in multiple dimensions rather than just expanding the device size in one direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The body serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework for the device, contains the retention mechanism, and works in conjunction with the engaging portion to provide both support and fusion surface. This multi-functionality allows the device to achieve adequate fusion area without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mechanisms are added to improve positioning, then the device can provide selective orientation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment member incorporates movable supporting members with camming mechanisms that allow the engaging portion to be selectively positioned at different orientations. The camming slots and camming members provide controlled movement while maintaining stability in the selected position, enabling adaptability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed body and the movable engaging portion. It translates simple rotational or linear movements into precise angular adjustments of the engaging portion, providing selective positioning capability while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple through mechanical advantage.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal fixation device includes a body having a first end defining an aperture, an engaging portion configured to engage a vertebral body, and an adjustment member configured to be received in the body through the aperture. The adjustment member is operatively coupled with the engaging portion to selectively position the engaging portion at one of a plurality of orientations relative to the body.