Spinal Implant Connector With Angled Openings for Smaller Incisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal constructs for treating disorders such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and degenerative disc disease often require large incisions due to perpendicular orientations of set screw openings, leading to increased tissue exposure and complexity in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A spinal construct with a tulip hybrid crosslink connector featuring angled set screw openings and dual passageways for top and side loading of spinal rods, allowing for minimal incision surgery and maintaining instrument orientation throughout the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If perpendicular oriented set screw openings are used in traditional spinal connectors, then the set screws can be properly installed to secure the spinal rod, but large incisions are required leading to increased tissue exposure and surgical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is oriented at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis of the spinal rod, rather than being perpendicular. This angular orientation allows the set screw openings to be accessed through a smaller incision while maintaining proper screw installation capability, thus reducing tissue exposure without compromising fixation function
Solution Approach 2:
The connector features asymmetric geometry where the body is angled relative to the rod axis, and the set screw openings are positioned at specific non-perpendicular angles. This asymmetric design optimizes the balance between incision size and screw accessibility, eliminating the need for large perpendicular openings while maintaining secure fixation
2Ease of operation
If traditional single passageway connectors are used, then the connector structure is simpler, but surgical instruments must be reoriented during the procedure increasing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body defines multiple passageways (first and second passageways) that can both receive and secure the spinal rod. This multi-functional design allows surgical instruments to access the rod through different paths without requiring reorientation of the connector or instruments, simplifying the surgical procedure while the connector maintains a unified angled structure
3Object-affected harmful factors
If angled set screw openings are implemented, then minimally invasive surgery is enabled with reduced tissue exposure, but the connector geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with a specific angular parameter (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis of the spinal rod. This parameter change from the traditional perpendicular (90 degree) orientation reduces the required incision size and tissue exposure while the complex geometry is managed through monolithic formation or precise assembly of standardized components
Data Source
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AI summary
A spinal construct includes a body defining a transverse axis. The body includes a wall disposed between a first implant cavity and a second implant cavity. The body further defines a first opening communicating with the first implant cavity and a second opening communicating with the second implant cavity. The first opening defines a first axis and the second opening defines a second axis. At least one of the first axis and the second axis are disposed in a substantially non-perpendicular orientation relative to the transverse axis. Systems, surgical instruments, implants and methods are disclosed