Spinal Connector with Sagittal Adjusting Saddle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implant systems for treating musculoskeletal disorders, such as scoliosis and degenerative disc disease, face challenges in providing adequate stability and accommodating various vertebral angles, leading to suboptimal alignment and support during spinal fusion procedures.
Innovation Solution
A spinal construct with a connector system featuring a sagittal adjusting saddle and dual passageways for top and side loading of spinal rods, allowing for angular accommodation and enhanced strength, along with the use of biologically acceptable materials like metals and polymers for durability and biomechanical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional spinal implant system is used, then the basic fixation function is provided, but the stability and alignment are insufficient due to inability to accommodate various vertebral angles
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a sagittal adjusting saddle that enables dynamic adjustment of the rod's angular position in the sagittal plane. This dynamic mechanism allows the implant to adapt to various vertebral angles while maintaining stable fixation, resolving the contradiction between stability and angular accommodation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a body portion, a sagittal adjusting saddle, and dual passageways. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the body provides structural support, the saddle enables angular adjustment, and the passageways accommodate rods - thereby achieving both stability and adaptability.
2Strength
If a simple connector design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the strength and support during spinal fusion are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into a body portion and a sagittal adjusting saddle, with dual passageways for top and side loading. This segmentation distributes mechanical loads across different structural elements, enhancing overall strength while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is constructed from biologically acceptable materials such as metals or polymers that provide high strength-to-weight ratios. These materials enable the connector to achieve superior mechanical strength and durability without requiring excessive structural complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a single passageway connector is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the alignment precision is insufficient for accommodating various vertebral angles
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates dual passageways - a first passageway for top loading and a second passageway for side loading - each optimized for specific rod insertion approaches. This segmentation enables precise alignment control for different vertebral configurations while maintaining clear functional distinction between passageways.
Solution Approach 2:
The sagittal adjusting saddle positioned within the connector body enables dynamic angular adjustment of the rod in the sagittal plane. This dynamic adjustment capability allows precise alignment to be achieved post-installation, accommodating various vertebral angles without requiring excessively complex pre-configured passageway structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A spinal construct (12) comprises a body (14) connectable with tissue and including a wall (18) disposed between a first implant cavity (30) and a second implant cavity (84). A part (50) is disposed with at least one of the cavities. The part is movable relative to the wall in a plane of a body. Systems, surgical instruments, implants and methods are disclosed.