Spinal Fixation Plate with Locking Projections and PEEK Composite
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation systems face issues such as screw backout, misalignment, and limited biomechanical compatibility, which hinder effective vertebrae fusion and stability during spinal surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A spinal fixation system comprising an interbody with locking apertures and a plate with locking projections and cams, allowing for secure removability and adjustable positioning, along with a reduced titanium content using PEEK and titanium materials for enhanced biomechanical compatibility and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical implants such as rods, plates, or cages connected by screws are used to fix vertebrae, then spinal stability is achieved, but problems such as screw backout and misalignment occur
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is divided into multiple segments or modules that can be independently adjusted and locked. Each segment can be positioned and secured separately, allowing for precise alignment while distributing mechanical loads across multiple locking points, thereby preventing screw backout through redundant fixation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The plate incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow intraoperative modification of screw positions and angles. The system transitions from a fixed pre-drilled configuration to an adjustable post-attachment configuration, enabling correction of misalignment while maintaining spinal stability through controlled adaptability
2Strength
If traditional metal plates and screws are used for spinal fixation, then structural strength is provided, but imaging quality is degraded due to titanium usage
Solution Approach 1:
The plate employs composite material construction combining titanium alloy components for critical load-bearing areas with radiolucent materials such as PEEK (polyether ether ketone) or carbon fiber reinforced polymers for non-critical structural sections. This composite approach maintains overall fixation strength while minimizing metal artifact interference in imaging, as the radiolucent materials allow clear visualization of adjacent bone and implant interfaces on CT and MRI scans
3Reliability
If bone screws are used to secure the plate to vertebrae, then spinal fusion is supported, but screw backout and misalignment problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The plate incorporates pre-formed recesses, guides, or self-aligning features that prepare the screw insertion path and positioning before actual screw placement. These preliminary structural elements ensure accurate screw trajectory and depth control, preventing misalignment while supporting reliable fusion through consistent anatomical positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional rigid mechanical screw fixation with a more sophisticated locking mechanism that may include threaded inserts, bayonet-style locks, or cam-based securing systems. These alternative mechanical systems provide enhanced anti-backout protection through multi-directional locking or friction-based retention, improving reliability beyond simple screw-thread engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal fixation system includes an interbody and a plate. The interbody defines at least one locking aperture. The plate includes a front surface, a back surface, and at least one locking projection extending from the back surface. The at least one locking projection is removably engaged with the at least one locking aperture such that the plate is removably coupled to the interbody.