Spinal Revision Connector Using Intermediary Extender
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extending or revising posterior vertebral screw assemblies in spinal surgery are limited, as they often require identifying and matching existing hardware, which can be time-consuming and may disturb asymptomatic spinal levels, leading to pain and limited compatibility between different systems.
Innovation Solution
An extender system is developed that includes a vertebral implant with a bone anchor and anchor seat, a collet, and a locking cap, allowing for the extension of existing constructs to adjacent spinal levels with minimal disruption, using a polyaxial spinal construct extender that connects to both existing and new bone fixation elements without removing the existing hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing hardware is removed and replaced with new hardware, then hardware compatibility and surgeon choice are improved, but surgical time is increased and asymptomatic spinal levels are disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
A transition device serves as an intermediary component that connects existing vertebral implants to new vertebral implants. The transition device includes a first engagement feature that interfaces with the existing implant's rod or screw, and a second engagement feature that connects to new screws and rods. This mediator enables hardware compatibility without requiring removal of existing implants, thereby reducing surgical time while achieving surgeon choice and system compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing hardware is removed and replaced with new hardware, then hardware compatibility is improved, but surgical complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The transition device simplifies surgical complexity by providing a standardized intermediary component that bridges different hardware systems. Rather than requiring complete removal and reinstallation of complex existing hardware, the surgeon can attach the transition device to the existing implant and then connect new hardware to the transition device, reducing surgical complexity while maintaining hardware compatibility.
3Ease of operation
If a long incision is made to access all previously fixed vertebral bodies, then hardware connection is achieved, but tissue damage and postoperative pain are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the connection function from the traditional approach of exposing all vertebral bodies through a long incision. Instead, the transition device enables connection through a localized access point at the end vertebra, extracting the need for extensive tissue dissection while maintaining the ability to connect existing and new hardware systems.
4Loss of time
If existing hardware is left in place and new hardware is added, then surgical time is reduced, but hardware compatibility becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The transition device is designed with universal engagement features that can interface with multiple types of existing vertebral implants (screws, hooks, rods from different manufacturers). This multi-functionality enables the transition device to bridge different hardware systems while keeping the existing hardware in place, achieving both time efficiency and hardware compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An extender system is configured to couple a vertebral bone anchor that has been previously implanted in a vertebra, or is newly implantable in a vertebra, to an adjacent bone, which can be an additional spinal level or an occiput, for example. The extender system includes an extension member having a body and an engagement member coupled to the body. The extension member defines an aperture extending through the engagement member. A screw is configured to attach the extension member to the vertebral bone anchor. The extension member can be fastened to the adjacent bone.