Spinal Fixation System With Rotational Wing and Compliant Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation systems face challenges in securely anchoring bone fixation elements at customized angles and preventing long-term loosening due to vibrational forces, which can lead to patient discomfort and the need for corrective surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A spinal fixation system featuring a coupling element with opposed longitudinal apertures, a longitudinal slot, and a securing element with an outwardly extending wing to prevent rotation, allowing for adjustable angle insertion of bone fixation elements and maintaining secure fixation by applying constant force to both the fixation rod and bone fixation elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bone fixation element is secured at a fixed 90 degree angle to the coupling element, then the insertion angle is standardized and simple, but the ability to customize the insertion angle to match the patient's anatomy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element incorporates a bone fixation element receiving aperture with a rounded interior surface that allows the bone fixation element to be rotated and secured at multiple angles (acute, 90-degree, or obtuse angles) rather than being fixed at a single angle. This dynamic adjustment capability enables customization to match patient anatomy while maintaining a relatively simple coupling element structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the compression means has limited surface area contact with the fixation rod, then the device structure is simple, but rotational movement of the fixation rod within the coupling element is not effectively prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The compression means features a curved, arcuate contact surface that wraps around the fixation rod, maximizing the surface area contact between the compression means and the fixation rod. This curved geometry effectively prevents rotational movement of the fixation rod within the coupling element while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
3Reliability
If the compression means is tightened to prevent loosening from vibrational forces, then the fixation stability is improved, but the risk of over-tightening and damaging bone or synthetic devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression means incorporates a compliant, resilient material that acts as a cushion between the compression force and the bone fixation element. This cushioning effect allows the compression means to be tightened securely to prevent loosening from vibrational forces while absorbing excess force to prevent over-tightening damage to bone or synthetic devices.
4Reliability
If the synthetic devices are made loose-tightening resistant through complex locking mechanisms, then the long-term stability is improved, but the ease of initial insertion and adjustment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compression means is designed with a self-tightening feature where the act of inserting and securing the bone fixation element into the coupling element automatically generates the necessary compression force. The resilient material deforms during insertion and then rebounds to apply continuous compressive force, eliminating the need for separate tightening operations while providing loose-tightening resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal fixation system (1) for use in the fixation of a spine comprising: a coupling element (2) having a pair of opposed longitudinal apertures (17) through a wall (35) thereof; a longitudinal slot (8) in a coupling element (2) interior surface (3); a hole (13) through the bottom end (5) of the coupling element (2); and a securing element (18) dimensioned for insertion into the coupling element (2), the securing element (18) having an outwardly extending wing (26) dimensioned for riding in the coupling element slot (8), for preventing a rotation of the securing element (18) about a longitudinal axis (7) thereof.