Spinal Plate with Blocking Screw Prevents Back-Out
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved systems involving plating systems and spacers for spinal fusion and stabilization, as existing technologies may not effectively address chronic back pain caused by displaced or damaged spinal discs or vertebral bodies.
Innovation Solution
The development of a spinal system comprising a spacer for insertion into an intervertebral space and a plate configured to abut the spacer, featuring a tapered leading end, angled screw holes, and a set screw to prevent bone screw back-out, providing secure fixation and stabilization during fusion procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plating system with bone screws is used to stabilize the spine during fusion procedures, then spinal stabilization is improved, but the risk of bone screw back-out increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate includes a blocking screw hole positioned to receive a blocking screw that prevents back-out of the bone screws. The blocking screw is inserted after the bone screws are positioned but before the plate is fully secured, creating a preliminary counter-action that stops the harmful back-out motion before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking screw acts as an intermediary element between the bone screw and the plate structure. It mediates the interaction by providing a mechanical barrier that prevents the bone screw from backing out, while allowing the bone screw to remain in its functional position for spinal stabilization.
2Reliability
If a spacer is inserted into the intervertebral space to promote fusion, then spinal fusion is improved, but the complexity of the plating system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate and spacer are designed to work together as an integrated system. The plate includes specific structural features (such as the blocking screw hole and engagement protrusions) that combine with the spacer to create a unified construct for spinal stabilization and fusion, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for spinal stabilization, accommodates bone screws for vertebral fixation, includes a blocking screw hole for preventing screw back-out, and integrates with the spacer for fusion promotion. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single component.
3Ease of operation
If angled screw holes are provided in the plate for receiving bone screws, then ease of screw insertion is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The screw holes are designed with specific angular orientations that optimize the insertion angle for bone screws. By changing the angular parameter of the holes from perpendicular to angled, the system improves ease of operation during screw insertion while the manufacturing precision is managed through standardized angular specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application generally relates to orthopedic systems, and in particular, to systems including independent plates and spacers. A plating system can include a spacer and a plate that is independent from the spacer. A number of locking mechanisms can be provided to secure the plate to the spacer. In some cases, the spacer includes a pair of notches that extend on an outer surface of the spacer. The plate can include a pair of lateral extensions that can engage the notches to secure the plate to the spacer. In other cases, the spacer includes an opening including a pair of inlets. The plate can include an enclosed posterior extension that can be received in the pair of inlets to secure the plate to the spacer.