Spinal Fixation Clamp With Dynamic Band And Rod Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fixation systems face challenges in securing vertebrae, particularly in cases of poor bone quality, small vertebrae, or young patients, as they often require bone screws or hooks that are difficult to use and may cause complications, and existing flexible tie systems are prone to slippage and require complex assembly.
Innovation Solution
A spinal fixation system using a clamp and screw with separate channels for a flexible band and rod, allowing a single screw to lock the band and rod in different positions, enabling adjustable fixation suitable for children's growing spines, with a flexible band instead of screws or hooks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bone screws or hooks are used for spinal fixation, then stable fixation can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and difficult to use, especially in children with poor bone quality or small vertebrae
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fixation function from complex bone screws and hooks, creating a simplified system that uses a flexible band loop combined with a clamp and rod. This extraction eliminates the need for invasive bone penetration while maintaining fixation stability through the band's engagement with the vertebral lamina and the clamp's mechanical locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible band loop acts as an intermediary element between the vertebra and the rod clamp. Instead of directly penetrating the bone with screws or hooks, the band serves as a mediator that transfers mechanical forces while allowing for growth modulation in pediatric patients.
2Ease of operation
If flexible ties are used to avoid bone screws, then bone quality issues are avoided, but the ties are prone to slippage and require complex assembly with articulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flexible band loop with a rigid clamp structure that has integrated channels for both the band and the rod. This combination eliminates the need for separate articulation mechanisms and multiple components, simplifying assembly while the integrated design prevents slippage through the clamp's mechanical locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds the flexible band loop, engages with the rod, and provides a locking mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate articulation pieces and closure mechanisms, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If fixed fixation devices are used, then stable attachment is achieved, but re-operation is necessary for growing children
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic fixation system where the clamp can slide along the rod within the rod channel, allowing the fixation point to move as the child's spine grows. This dynamic capability is achieved through the interaction between the clamp's positioning mechanism and the rod channel, enabling the system to adapt to growth without requiring re-operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in the fixation position along the rod as the patient grows. The clamp can be repositioned along the rod channel to accommodate changes in vertebral size and position, maintaining appropriate fixation tension and positioning throughout the growth period.
4Reliability
If multiple components are used for fixation, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixation functions into a single integrated clamp component that has dedicated channels for both the flexible band and the rod. This merging of functions into one component eliminates the need for separate articulation pieces, closure mechanisms, and multiple fastening elements, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed with segmented internal channels that separately accommodate the band and rod, allowing for organized assembly. The segmentation of the internal structure enables straightforward installation of components in a logical sequence without requiring complex manipulation of multiple separate parts.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal fixation system for connecting a spinal vertebra to a rod, including a clamp and screw, the clamp having screw, band and rod channels. The rod channel extends through the clamp forming a passage for a rod, being open towards a lateral side and running approximately perpendicular to the screw channel. The band channel is adjacent to the screw channel and forms a passage for a flexible band. The screw channel has an internal screw thread for engagement with the screw to allow it to be advanced from a first band-locking position into a second rod-locking position. In the first position, the band channel is compressed to inhibit movement of the band with respect to the clamp, while allowing axial movement of the rod within the rod channel. In the second position, the rod channel is restricted to inhibit axial movement of the rod within the rod channel.