Spinal Fixation System with Transverse Rods for Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal deformity correction procedures face challenges in distributing forces across multiple bone anchors to reduce anatomical damage during complex 3-dimensional deformity correction, as existing systems lack effective mechanisms for simultaneous manipulation and stabilization of multiple vertebral levels.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising transverse rods, longitudinal rods, nodes, and linking members that allow for selective coupling and adjustment of vertebral levels, enabling force distribution across multiple bone anchors and facilitating simultaneous movement of vertebrae through the use of alignment clips and inter-level connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex 3-dimensional spinal deformity correction is performed with high rotational force on bone anchors, then the correction efficacy is improved, but the risk of anatomical damage increases due to high stress concentration on individual bone anchors
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the force application into multiple segments by using multiple bone anchors across several vertebral levels. Each anchor shares a portion of the total corrective force, preventing excessive stress concentration on any single anchor while maintaining effective deformity correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple vertebral levels into a single integrated manipulation unit through the use of non-linkable tubes connected to extension members. This allows simultaneous movement of multiple vertebrae, distributing the corrective force across multiple anchors while achieving coordinated 3-dimensional deformity correction.
2Reliability
If multiple vertebral levels are manipulated simultaneously to distribute forces, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple connected components
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs non-linkable tubes that allow dynamic, independent adjustment of each vertebral level while maintaining connection to the extension members. This enables flexible manipulation of multiple levels without requiring rigid interconnections, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining safety through force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension members serve multiple functions: they connect to bone anchors for force application, interface with non-linkable tubes for manipulation, and provide structural support across vertebral levels. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining safety.
3Manufacturing precision
If high rotational force is applied to achieve proper spinal alignment, then the manufacturing precision of spinal alignment is improved, but the stress concentration on bone anchors increases causing potential screw breach
Solution Approach 1:
The corrective force is segmented across multiple bone anchors implanted in different vertebral levels. Each anchor experiences reduced individual stress compared to single-level correction, while the cumulative effect of all anchors achieves the required precise spinal alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-level to multi-level 3-dimensional correction, adding vertical dimensionality to the force distribution. By correcting deformities across multiple vertebral levels simultaneously, the system achieves precise alignment while distributing mechanical stress across a larger anatomical volume, reducing peak stresses on individual anchors.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary system for correcting a spinal deformity includes a plurality of transverse rods, a longitudinal rod, and at least one node. The plurality of transverse rods each includes a first end for coupling with an extension member of a spinal fixation system and a second end. The longitudinal rod extends transverse to the transverse rods. The at least one node receives the second ends of first and second transverse rods and the longitudinal rod within a receiving portion and an adjustment member selectively secures the second ends.