Spinal Plate Ridges and Set Screws for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal plates used in vertebrae fusion procedures face limitations such as reduced stability due to limited screw placement, risk of screw rotation, and potential damage to anatomical structures from sharp features, which compromises the success of the fusion procedure.
Innovation Solution
A bone plate design featuring a ridge for enhanced stability, set screws to prevent screw rotation, and optional spikes for additional support, along with notched-head bone screws to secure the plate to the bone, addressing the limitations of existing spinal plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the number of screws is increased to improve plate stability, then stability is improved, but the number of screws is limited by size restrictions and surgical situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple stabilization mechanisms into a single plate structure: the plate includes blocking set screws to prevent screw backing out, ridges to prevent screw rotation, and optional spikes for additional stability. This merging of functions allows the plate to achieve high stability without requiring an increased number of screws, thus resolving the contradiction between plate stability and surgical adaptability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If spikes or sharp features are added to increase stability, then bone-plate interface stability is improved, but there is a risk of puncturing or damaging blood vessels, nerves, or other delicate anatomical structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes spikes optional rather than mandatory, allowing the surgeon to use them only when additional stability is needed and when anatomical conditions permit. The plate can function effectively with just the blocking set screws and ridges, providing a graduated approach that balances stability needs with patient safety, thus resolving the contradiction between bone-plate interface stability and anatomical structure damage risk.
3Reliability
If blocking set screws are used to prevent screws from backing out, then screw retention is improved, but the screws can still rotate and loosen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines blocking set screws with ridges that extend into the screw holes. The blocking set screws prevent the screws from backing out axially, while the ridges prevent rotation. This merging of two complementary mechanisms resolves the contradiction by providing both retention and rotational stability, ensuring comprehensive screw stability.
4Device complexity
If fewer screws are used due to size restrictions, then device complexity is reduced, but plate stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the functional parameters of the plate by incorporating blocking set screws, ridges, and optional spikes. These parameter changes enable the plate to achieve high stability with fewer screws, as each component contributes multiple stabilization functions. This resolves the contradiction by improving plate stability through parameter optimization rather than increasing screw quantity.
Data Source
AI summary
Spinal plates with additional features to improve the stability of the interface between the plate and the underlying bone. A bone plate may include one or more sharp ridges along the periphery of its underside. When attached to bone, the ridge digs into the bone and increases stability. A bone plate may alternatively or additionally include one or more holes for optional spikes, which may be inserted once the plate is attached to the bone. By separating the spikes and including them as an optional component, the plate may enhance stability while reducing or eliminating the chance of the spike injuring the patient. Furthermore, bone screws may incorporate alternating notches and ridges into the head of the screw. The notches and ridges may interface with a set screw, thereby preventing rotation and loosening of the screw.