Spinal Implant Plate Integral Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implant plate systems in spinal surgery face issues such as inadequate fixation due to false-locking of screws, screw loosening post-surgery, and the need for multiple tools and components, which can lead to user error and injury from migrating screws.
Innovation Solution
An implant plate system with arcuate, resilient locking members that eliminate the need for separate tools or components, featuring apertures with integral resilient stop members that prevent screw movement in both axial and rotational directions, ensuring secure retention and reduced migration risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate locking tools and components are used to secure screws in implant plates, then screw fixation reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to multiple tools and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the locking function directly into the implant plate by forming locking protrusions on the plate that engage with corresponding recesses in the screw heads. This merging of the locking mechanism into the plate structure eliminates the need for separate locking tools and components, thereby maintaining screw fixation reliability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant plate's locking protrusions automatically engage with the screw heads when screws are inserted, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional tools or components. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable screw fixation while simplifying the overall device structure and improving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components and tools are used for screw retention, then screw migration prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased user error potential
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the implant plate structure through integrated locking protrusions that engage with screw head recesses. This eliminates the need for multiple separate components and tools, reducing the potential for user error while maintaining effective screw migration prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate's locking protrusions automatically engage with the screws upon insertion, providing self-retention without requiring additional tools or components. This self-service mechanism prevents screw migration while simplifying the surgical procedure and reducing user error potential.
3Device complexity
If integral locking members are used in the implant plate, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking protrusions are formed as integral parts of the implant plate through manufacturing processes such as molding or machining. While this integration reduces device complexity, it requires precise manufacturing to ensure proper engagement geometry between the plate's protrusions and the screw head recesses, thereby increasing manufacturing precision requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a simpler, more reliable method for securing screws, reducing the risk of screw migration and loosening, thereby enhancing surgical stability and safety by eliminating the need for additional tools and components.
Implementation Method 1
arcuate, resilient locking members that eliminate the need for separate tools or components, featuring apertures with integral resilient stop members that prevent screw movement
Data Source
AI summary
Spinal fusion system and method utilizing an implant plate and screw, wherein at least one pawl is mounted on or integral with at least one of said plate and becomes operatively related to the screw after the screw is inserted in the implant plate to prevent the screw from moving in at least one of an axial direction or a rotational direction. Other features and embodiments are described and claimed.