Spinal Rod Connector Segmentation for Surgical Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal rod systems face challenges in optimal placement and attachment along the spinal column due to geometric and dimensional constraints, limiting sizing options and accommodating post-operative anatomical changes, making it difficult to achieve precise stabilization and fixation.
Innovation Solution
A spinal rod system comprising a mounting anchor with a receiver and a connector that allows for adjustable positioning and attachment of elongated spinal rods, enabling flexible alignment and length adjustment to accommodate varying patient anatomy and surgical needs, using a combination of mounting anchors and connectors to secure rods in laterally offset or end-to-end configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If elongated one-piece rods are used for spinal stabilization, then structural strength and simplicity are improved, but maneuverability into position and surgical flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal rod system is divided into multiple segments: a mounting anchor with receiver, a connector with mounting portion and receiving portion, and separate first and second spinal rods. This segmentation allows each component to be maneuvered independently into position, solving the maneuverability problem while maintaining overall structural strength through the connected assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static one-piece rod to a dynamic assembly where the connector can be positioned at different locations along the spinal column, and rods can be attached or detached as needed. This dynamic configuration provides surgical flexibility while maintaining structural integrity during and after implantation.
2Device complexity
If elongated one-piece rods are used, then structural simplicity is improved, but sizing options and selection flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the rod system into separate rod components and a connector, the invention enables multiple sizing combinations. Different length and diameter rods can be selected and combined with the connector to match various patient anatomies and surgical requirements, providing versatility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves as a universal interface that can accommodate different rod configurations. The mounting anchor with receiver and the connector with its mounting and receiving portions create a multi-functional system that can adapt to various rod sizes and spinal column configurations, enhancing versatility while maintaining relatively simple component designs.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed configuration rod systems are used, then initial placement is simplified, but accommodation of post-operative anatomical changes is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The modular rod system with separate mounting anchor, connector, and rod components enables dynamic adjustment after initial placement. The connector can be repositioned along the rod, and rods can be detached or reconfigured to accommodate post-operative anatomical changes, providing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple initial placement procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular connector components are added to enable adjustment, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting anchor with integrated receiver and the connector with integrated mounting and receiving portions combine multiple functions into unified components. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts compared to fully modular systems, achieving flexibility and adaptability while controlling device complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal rod system includes a first rod and a second rod engaged to a connector with the first and second rods extending axially therefrom in opposite directions from one another. The connector is mountable to a mounting anchor and securable thereto with an engaging member. The connector secures the first rod in the mounting anchor and the connector is clampingly engaged between the engaging member and the first rod. The second rod is engageable in a receiving portion of the connector adjacent to the mounting anchor.