Spinal Rod Guide with Longitudinal Slots for Vertebral Screw Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting a spinal rod onto a spinal rod connector of a vertebral bone screw are cumbersome and difficult due to the complex procedure involved, which complicates the secure fixation of spinal rods during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A spinal rod guide is introduced, comprising first and second elongated arc portions that define a guide tube with longitudinal slots, allowing easy alignment and placement of the spinal rod into the connector, and a drive screw mechanism for secure fixation, with the guide being removable after installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spinal rod connector with rotational connection is used to allow various connection orientations, then the adaptability of the connector is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional alignment and mounting procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tube acts as an intermediary device that temporarily connects the spinal rod to the connector body, providing a simplified pathway for rod insertion and alignment while the rotational connection mechanism provides the necessary adaptability for different orientations
2Ease of operation
If a tube temporarily connected to the spinal rod connector is used to install the connector screw, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional temporary components required
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tube is merged with the connector body as an integrated component, eliminating the need for separate temporary mounting fixtures while still providing the simplified screw installation pathway through its longitudinal opening
3Reliability
If the spinal rod must be precisely aligned and secured to each individual connector, then the reliability of fixation is improved, but the productivity decreases due to the time-consuming mounting procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tube is pre-positioned on the connector body before rod insertion, establishing the correct alignment pathway in advance and eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment adjustments during the critical rod insertion phase
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal rod guide and/or guide assembly is provided for mounting a spinal rod onto a spinal rod holder/connector of a vertebral bone screw. The spinal rod guide is configured to extend between an opening in a patient's body and the spinal rod holder of the vertebral bone screw assembly, to receive a spinal rod therein, and thereafter accurately guide the spinal rod into the spinal rod holder. The spinal rod guide is defined by a first elongated arc portion and a second elongated arc portion to define a guide tube for the introduction and placement of additional spinal rod components onto the spinal rod connector, particularly, but not necessarily, for securing the spinal rod into the spinal rod connector. The elongated arc portions are mountable or initially attached onto a top of a spinal rod holder of a spinal rod bone screw assembly. The elongated arc portions (tube) define first and second longitudinal slots extending from a top of the elongated arc portions to a bottom of the elongated arc portions. The two longitudinal slots are situated such as to be diametrically opposite one another. Each longitudinal slot aligns with a spinal rod slot of the spinal rod holder to thereby allow easy placement of the spinal rod into the spinal rod holder. Thereafter, the defined elongated tube provides direct communication and alignment with the top of the spinal rod holder in order to receive a spinal rod connector drive screw for securing the spinal rod into the spinal rod holder.