Spinal Fixation Rod With Expansion Ring For Vertebral Distraction And Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal surgery procedures require multiple external instruments for distraction, compression, and fixation, leading to increased complexity, operating room confusion, and longer recovery times due to the need for separate devices for each function.
Innovation Solution
A spinal fixation device that integrates distraction, compression, and fixation capabilities using a single set of instruments, featuring a first and second engagement member with extensions, an expansion ring, and locking rings, allowing for torque-driven movement and interlocking features to facilitate vertebral body manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external instruments are used for distraction, compression, and fixation, then each function can be performed with specialized tools, but the device complexity and number of instruments increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines distraction, compression, and fixation functions into a single integrated posterior rod system. The rod includes engagement members with threaded extensions that can perform all three functions sequentially using one instrument set, eliminating the need for separate external distraction and compression instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The posterior rod system is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: distraction of vertebral bodies, compression of the intervertebral space, and fixation of vertebrae. The engagement members with threaded extensions allow the same device to accomplish all these tasks without requiring specialized separate instruments.
2Reliability
If multiple separate instruments are used for distraction and compression, then each operation can be optimized, but the operating time and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated posterior rod system allows continuous useful action by performing distraction, compression, and fixation in a sequential manner without removing the instrument or switching to separate tools. The threaded extensions enable smooth transition between functions, maintaining continuous operational flow and reducing overall procedure time.
3Ease of operation
If multiple external instruments are used for spinal fixation, then distraction and compression can be achieved, but the possibility of operating room confusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple external distraction and compression instruments into a single integrated posterior rod system with threaded extensions. This consolidation reduces the number of different instrument types in the operating room while maintaining ease of operation through the unified design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated device simplifies spinal fusion procedures by reducing the number of instruments needed, potentially decreasing complications and recovery time while allowing for precise control over vertebral alignment and fixation.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one threaded extension extends outwardly from the second body... a torque applied to the expansion ring moves the second engagement member with respect to the first engagement member
Implementation Method 2
The at least one extension of the first engagement member may be at least two arms elastically cantilevered to the first body
Data Source
AI summary
A method for fusing vertebral bodies comprising the steps of: mounting a first engagement member of a fixation member to a pedicle of a first vertebra and a second engagement member of the spinal fixation member to a pedicle of a second vertebra, the first engagement member having a first extension engaged with an expansion ring, the second engagement member having a second extension engaged with the expansion ring; inserting screws through the first and second engagement members and into the pedicles of the respective first and second vertebrae; rotating the expansion ring in a first direction, thereby distracting the first and second vertebrae; implanting an intervertebral implant between the first and second vertebrae after rotating the expansion ring in the first direction; and rotating the expansion ring in a second direction after implanting the intervertebral implant, thereby compressing the first and second vertebrae.