Spinal Connector for Simultaneous Screw and Rod Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for connecting additional screw and rod segments in spinal fusion surgery require significant surgical site expansion and damage, as they necessitate disassembly or removal of existing components, leading to increased risk of injury and instability.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a connecting block that simultaneously fixes a screw head and a rod using a head accommodation hole and a rod accommodation groove, along with an upper fixing screw and protective cover, allowing for secure fixation without disassembly, minimizing incision and preventing damage to surrounding tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional closed-type connector is used to connect additional screw/rod segment, then connection is achieved, but large-scale surgery is required with significant damage to surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two distinct components: a block component that connects to the screw head and a rod component that connects to the rod. This segmentation allows each component to be independently attached to existing implants through separate minimal incisions, eliminating the need for large-scale surgical site reopening while achieving reliable connection between additional segments
2Ease of operation
If open-type connector is used to connect additional screw/rod segment, then connection is achieved, but at least two joints of existing rods must be exposed and bone grafts must be removed
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the connector into block and rod components that can be independently attached, the invention eliminates the need to expose multiple rod joints or remove bone grafts. Each component attaches to its respective target through a single minimal incision, avoiding the harmful effects associated with open-type connector installation
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing screw and rod segments are disassembled for additional connection, then new segment can be connected, but significant surgical site expansion is required
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's segmented design allows it to interface with existing screw heads and rods without requiring their disassembly. The block component attaches to the screw head while the rod component attaches to the rod, enabling additional segment connection through minimal incisions rather than large-scale surgical site expansion
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary component that bridges additional screw/rod segments to existing implants. Rather than requiring direct access to and disassembly of existing segments, the connector mediates the connection through its dual-component design that interfaces with both the screw head and rod separately
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a connector for simultaneously fixing a screw head and a rod, wherein the connector can be firmly fixed to a screw head and a rod, which have been surgically inserted, without requiring disassembly of the screw head and the rod, thus minimizing damage to the affected region. The connector may comprise: a connecting block in which a head accommodation hole portion is formed on one side thereof to be able to accommodate at least a portion of a screw head installed in a vertebral body, and a rod accommodation groove portion is formed on the other side thereof to be able to accommodate at least a portion of a rod that extends from the screw head; a connecting rod formed in a shape extending from the connecting block; and a fixing device that fixes the connecting block to the screw head.