Spinal Implant Guide for Alignment Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal implant systems face challenges in efficiently aligning and securing implant support caps and spinal constructs during surgical procedures for musculoskeletal disorders, leading to potential instability and complications.
Innovation Solution
The proposed spinal implant system includes an extender cap with a guide and extender tabs that are aligned and connected using a surgical instrument, facilitating the assembly and securement of the implant support cap and spinal constructs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional spinal implant systems are used without a guide mechanism, then the surgical procedure is simpler, but the alignment precision and stability of implant components deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide mechanism as an intermediary component that facilitates the alignment and connection of implant support caps and spinal constructs. The guide includes alignment features that ensure precise positioning of extender tabs relative to the cap, thereby improving alignment precision without requiring complex surgical techniques. This intermediary device mediates between the surgeon's manual manipulation and the precise alignment requirement.
2Reliability
If manual alignment methods are used for implant components, then the device structure is simpler, but the stability and accuracy of component connection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The guide acts as a mediator that ensures stable and accurate connection between implant components. The guide's structure includes features that interface with both the cap and extender tabs, providing a stable reference frame during assembly. This intermediary mechanism guarantees reliable component connection while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pre-establishes the correct alignment and positioning relationships between implant components before final assembly. By providing pre-configured alignment features and engagement surfaces, the guide ensures that components connect in the correct orientation and position, thereby improving connection stability and accuracy without requiring complex post-assembly adjustments.
3Manufacturing precision
If extender tabs are connected without a guide mechanism, then the assembly process is faster, but the alignment accuracy and securement reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pre-configures the alignment features and engagement surfaces to match the extender tabs and cap. This preliminary preparation ensures that when components are brought together, they automatically align correctly, improving alignment accuracy. The pre-established geometric relationships eliminate the need for time-consuming manual alignment adjustments during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide serves as a mediator that coordinates the connection between extender tabs and the cap. By providing a common reference frame and alignment features that interface with both components, the guide ensures accurate alignment during assembly. This intermediary mechanism streamlines the assembly process by eliminating trial-and-error positioning, thereby maintaining efficiency while improving precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
An implant support cap comprises a wall defining a cavity and at least one longitudinal passageway. The wall includes a guide engageable with an implant support member to orient the implant support member with the at least one passageway such that the implant support member is connectable with the wall. Systems, surgical instruments, spinal constructs, implants and methods are disclosed.