Spinal Implant Ratcheted Fastener for Multi-Axial Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implant technologies face challenges in providing stable and adjustable fixation for treating spinal disorders, particularly in allowing for selective adjustability and multi-directional movement while preventing backout, which is essential for effective spinal stabilization and decompression.
Innovation Solution
A spinal implant system featuring a spherical joint with a ratcheted mechanism and a fastener that allows for uni-directional translation and rotation, incorporating a spherical snap nut and threaded post configuration, which facilitates assembly and closure of implantable tissue clamping devices, enabling multi-axial movement and secure attachment to vertebrae.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a spinal implant uses a fixed rigid structure for stabilization, then stability is improved, but adaptability and adjustability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal implant incorporates a dynamic fastening mechanism with a deformable element and ratcheted structure that allows the implant to transition from a rigid fixed state to an adjustable dynamic state. The deformable element can be compressed to release the ratcheted engagement, enabling adjustment of the implant's position and orientation while maintaining stability when engaged.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a spinal implant allows multi-directional movement for adjustability, then adaptability is improved, but stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into separate functional components: a fastener with ratcheted structure, a deformable element, and engagement surfaces. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the ratcheted structure provides stable unidirectional locking while the deformable element enables controlled multi-directional adjustment, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a spinal implant uses a complex mechanism for selective adjustability and multi-axial movement, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable element is designed to be compressed by the natural forces applied during implantation and adjustment, eliminating the need for external tools or complex actuation mechanisms. The ratcheted structure automatically engages and locks the implant in the desired position, providing self-servicing adjustability that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining selective adjustability.
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 enhanced stability and adjustability, reducing the number of surgical steps and ensuring secure fixation, allowing for effective stabilization and decompression of the spine while minimizing posterior protrusion and facilitating multi-axial rotation and translation, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A second member includes a deformable element engageable with the fastener such that the second member is translatable relative to the fastener in a first axial direction and translation of the second member relative to the fastener in a second axial direction is resisted and/or prevented
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal implant comprises a first member. A fastener is connected with the first member. A second member includes a deformable element engageable with the fastener such that the second member is translatable relative to the fastener in a first axial direction and translation of the second member relative to the fastener in a second axial direction is resisted and/or prevented. Systems and methods are disclosed.