Spinal Rod Connector with Interchangeable Fixation and Sliding Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rod systems for spinal deformities and degenerative spinal surgery lack a compact and versatile connector that can accommodate rods of different diameters and provide both fixation and sliding options, particularly in pediatric applications where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A connector device with a main body featuring rod seats for accommodating rods of varying diameters, allowing for selective fixation or sliding, using a fixation member with a tapered head to immobilize rods and a closure member for sliding rods, enabling modular use and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connector is designed to accommodate rods of different diameters and provide both fixation and sliding options, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate rods of different diameters through a single rod seat configuration. The rod seat includes a clamping surface and a closure member that can secure rods of varying sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors for different rod types.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a dynamic closure member that can transition between different states: when the closure member is engaged, it provides fixed fixation; when disengaged, it allows sliding motion. This dynamic capability enables the same connector to provide both fixation and sliding options without requiring separate components.
2Ease of operation
If the connector is designed with a low profile and compact width, then the ease of operation in space-constrained areas is improved, but the structural complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector achieves a low profile by optimizing its dimensional distribution. Rather than increasing size in one dimension to accommodate versatility features, the design redistributes functional elements across different dimensions, maintaining a compact overall footprint while integrating multiple functions within the constrained space.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are merged into a single integrated connector body. The rod seat, closure member, and fixation mechanisms are combined into one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing the overall size while maintaining full functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector provides modular use options with fixation members and closure members, then the adaptability is improved, but the quantity of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into functional modules: a rod seat portion that accommodates the rod, a closure member that can engage or disengage, and a fixation member. These segmented elements work together to provide modular use options, allowing the surgeon to configure the connector for either fixation or sliding based on the specific surgical requirement.
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 connector system provides a compact, lightweight, and modular solution for connecting rods of different diameters, offering versatile applications in spinal surgery by allowing for both fixation and sliding options, suitable for pediatric use and other space-constrained applications.
Implementation Method 1
a fixation member configured to compress the first rod against the rod seat to immobilize the first rod
Implementation Method 2
a fixation member configured to compress the first rod against the rod seat to immobilize the first rod
Implementation Method 3
a closure member configured to permit the second rod to slide along the rod seat
Data Source
AI summary
A rod system, in particular, for the spine, includes a first rod, a second rod, and a connector for connecting the first rod and the second rod. The connector includes a main body defining a first rod seat configured to hold the first rod in a fixed manner and a second rod seat configured to accommodate a second rod, and a fixation member and a closure member that are interchangeably mountable to the main body. When the fixation member is mounted to the main body, the fixation member is engageable with the portion of the second rod to hold the second rod in a fixed manner relative to the main bod, while when the closure member is mounted to the main body, the closure member is configured to hold the second rod to the main body in a slidable manner.