Spinal Stabilization System Rod Manipulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surgeons face challenges in easily and safely manipulating connecting rods relative to bone screws during spinal stabilization procedures, requiring a simple and effective screw and rod construct to facilitate adjustments in orientation and position.
Innovation Solution
A spinal stabilization system comprising a connecting rod with an elongate rounded section, an elongate head portion, and a neck portion, paired with a bone screw featuring a slot and set screw configuration that securely engages the rod, allowing for precise positioning and adjustment, including the use of a loading unit for enhanced retention and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional bone screw and connecting rod construct is used, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but the surgeon has difficulty manipulating the connecting rod relative to the bone screws during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The bone screw head is divided into distinct functional elements: a slot for rod insertion, a guide member with aperture for set screw placement, and radial walls defining the slot. This segmentation allows the connecting rod to be inserted through the slot and secured with the set screw, providing easy manipulation while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary element between the bone screw head and the set screw. It provides a precise aperture that receives the set screw, ensuring accurate positioning and secure attachment of the connecting rod to the bone screw during the surgical procedure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the connecting rod is securely attached to the bone screw, then spinal stability is improved, but the ability to adjust orientation and position is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slot in the bone screw head is designed with specific geometric characteristics that allow the connecting rod to be inserted and secured at controlled orientations. The guide member with its aperture provides a mechanism for adjustable positioning, enabling the surgeon to optimize the rod-screw assembly for specific surgical requirements while maintaining stability.
3Ease of operation
If a simple slot and set screw configuration is used, then ease of manipulation is improved, but the retention strength may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bone screw and connecting rod are constructed from composite or high-strength materials that provide both ease of manipulation and sufficient retention strength. The combination of the slot geometry, guide member with aperture, and set screw creates a composite connection system that balances simplicity with mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member includes a curved or rounded aperture that facilitates the insertion and positioning of the set screw. This curved geometry allows for smooth engagement while maintaining strong retention, combining ease of operation with sufficient connection strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal stabilization system including a connecting rod and a bone screw. The connecting rod includes an elongate rounded section, an elongate head portion, and a neck portion connecting the elongate rounded section with the elongate head portion. The bone screw includes a head portion defining a slot, a shank extending longitudinally from the head portion, and a set screw configured to secure the connecting rod in the slot. The head portion includes a pair of radially opposing walls defining the slot therebetween. The head portion includes a trailing end and a leading end. The trailing end includes a guide member defining an aperture configured and dimensioned to receive the set screw therethrough. The aperture is in communication with the slot. In particular, the guide member interconnects the pair of radially opposing walls.