Spinal Rod Connection Housing with Rotating Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing posterior cervical fixation systems are cumbersome and time-consuming to install and adjust, particularly when contouring spinal rods to match the occipital bone's angles and contours for effective spinal fusion.
Innovation Solution
A spinal fixation device featuring an occipital rod and a spinal rod integrated with a housing, including a rotating plug and locking mechanism, allowing for angular adjustment and secure fixation, enabling easier alignment and contouring to accommodate individual anatomical requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If straight spinal rods are bent to meet occipital contours and angles, then the spinal rod can be customized to fit individual anatomy, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal rod is pre-bent during manufacturing to provide predetermined angles and contours that match common occipital anatomical variations. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming intraoperative bending while maintaining adaptability to individual anatomy through selection of appropriate pre-bent configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The connection housing incorporates a rotating plug mechanism that allows the spinal rod to be adjusted to multiple angular positions intraoperatively. This dynamic adjustment capability enables real-time customization to match occipital contours without requiring manual bending, thus reducing surgical time while preserving anatomical adaptability
2Ease of operation
If multiple pre-bent angles are provided for spinal rods, then easier installation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple separate pre-bent rod options, the invention uses a single rod with a dynamic adjustment mechanism (rotating plug in connection housing) that allows intraoperative angular adjustment. This reduces device complexity by standardizing the rod design while maintaining ease of operation through the adjustment mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The connection housing with rotating plug serves multiple functions: it provides angular adjustment, secures the rod in position, and accommodates various occipital contours. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized rod configurations, simplifying the overall device while improving ease of installation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a spinal fixation device that includes an occipital rod having a first end and a second end, and a spinal rod extending from a connection housing having a first end and a second end. The first end of the spinal rod is integral with a portion of the connection housing and the connection housing is configured with an elongated opening, a rotating plug, and a locking mechanism. The elongated opening is configured for mating with the first end of the occipital plate and the locking mechanism is adapted to enable the occipital rod to be locked in a fixed position.