Spinal Rod Connector Channel for Mixed-Diameter Rod Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spinal fixation systems face challenges in efficiently attaching spinal rods to vertebral anchors due to varying spinal rod diameters and curvatures, requiring a vast array of connectors and complicating the engagement process.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with specialized spinal rod receiving channels and retaining set screws, featuring offset circular holes and slanted connections, along with various connector types, including hooks and bi-axial cross connectors, to securely engage spinal rods of different diameters and curvatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vast array of connectors with different sizes and configurations is used to accommodate varying spinal rod diameters and curvatures, then the adaptability to different anatomical conditions is improved, but the device complexity and instrumentation requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a universal rod receiving channel that can accommodate spinal rods of different diameters (e.g., 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm) through a single standardized interface. The channel includes adjustable components such as set screws that can be positioned at different locations and angles to secure various rod sizes and curvatures, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors for different rod specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including set screws that can be repositioned along the rod receiving channel, and articulating components that allow the connector to adapt to different rod curvatures and angles. This dynamic capability enables the same connector to accommodate varying spinal anatomies without requiring pre-configured specialized connectors for each scenario.
2Reliability
If specialized instrumentation is used to force the spinal rod into engagement with vertebral anchors, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the ease of operation and surgical procedure complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to self-accommodate the spinal rod through its rod receiving channel, which automatically adjusts to the rod's diameter and curvature. The set screws and articulating components engage the rod passively as it is inserted, eliminating the need for specialized forcing instrumentation. The connector essentially configures itself to match the rod dimensions, reducing surgical complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple circular holes with offset centers are used to form the rod receiving channel, then the adaptability to different rod diameters is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rod receiving channel is constructed from multiple segmented circular holes with offset centers rather than a single continuous channel. Each circular hole segment can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, and the offset arrangement allows the segments to collectively form a channel that accommodates various rod diameters. This segmentation approach reduces the cumulative precision requirements compared to manufacturing a single large-diameter hole with tight tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a spinal rod receiving channel disposed within the medical device and a rod retaining set screw, wherein the spinal rod receiving channel includes an upper arc having a first end and second end, a first middle arc connected to the first end of the upper arc, a second middle arc connected to the second end of the upper arc and disposed opposite the first middle arc, connecting slants connected to first and second middle arcs, and a lower arc connected to the connecting slants, and the rod retaining set screw configured to secure a spinal rod disposed in the spinal rod receiving channel into the medical device.