Spinal Fixation Alignment Assembly Plate Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing spinal fixation systems face challenges in temporarily securing and aligning plates during surgery, which can lead to complications such as contact with neural or vascular structures due to movement of the plate during insertion or fastening, affecting precise placement.
Innovation Solution
A spinal fixation system comprising an alignment assembly with a fastening element and a mating element, where the fastening element moves along the mating element to engage with a plate, utilizing a releasable connector and wing portions to centralize and secure the plate relative to the vertebrae, minimizing movement and ensuring precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a plate is temporarily secured during spinal fixation surgery, then the plate can be aligned and positioned, but the plate may still move during insertion or fastening, leading to complications
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment assembly is pre-configured with the implant and mating element before plate insertion. The fastening element is pre-loaded onto the mating element with engagement portions that will engage retaining portions during the procedure, establishing temporary securement mechanisms in advance to prevent plate movement during critical positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment assembly acts as an intermediary device between the implant and the plate. The mating element with its releasable connector provides a temporary intermediary connection that secures the plate during alignment and positioning, then can be released once permanent fixation is achieved, preventing direct contact and potential damage between the plate and adjacent neural or vascular structures.
2Ease of operation
If the plate is allowed to move freely during insertion, then insertion is easier, but precise placement cannot be achieved and complications may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment assembly provides dynamic temporary securement during insertion. The fastening element can be moved along the mating element and engaged at different positions, allowing the plate to be guided into position with controlled movement rather than rigid fixed positioning, facilitating ease of insertion while maintaining placement precision through the guiding structure of the alignment assembly.
3Reliability
If the fastening element is permanently secured to the mating element, then the plate is firmly held, but the alignment assembly cannot be released after fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The releasable connector is designed with preliminary release mechanisms that prevent permanent engagement. The connector can be engaged to provide firm holding during fixation but includes built-in release features that allow easy disengagement after the alignment function is complete, preventing permanent restriction of the assembly's removability while ensuring reliability during the critical fixation phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal fixation system, the system including: an alignment assembly comprising: a fastening element; and a mating element configured to receiving the fastening element thereover and having a releasable connector, a fixation assembly comprising: a plate having an aligning aperture that allows the mating element to be received therethrough; and an implant configured to be received between adjacent vertebrae and releasably connect with the releasable connector, wherein the fastening element is configured to move along the mating element to engage with the plate.