Spinal Stabilization System with Segmented Bone Screw Cap

Solution Overview

Problem

Current spinal fixation apparatuses require torsional force or additional tools to secure connecting rods to bone screws, making the process complex and potentially unsafe during surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A spinal stabilization system featuring a connecting rod with an elongate rounded section and a bone screw with a slot and cap configuration, allowing for easy and secure attachment without the need for additional tools, utilizing a cap that encloses the planar surface of the slot to securely engage the connecting rod.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If set screw type bone screws are used, then the connecting rod can be secured to the bone screw, but torsional force and additional tools are required making the process complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring connecting rod to bone screwVSAvoidsurgical procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bone screw head is divided into two functional segments: a receiving cavity that holds the connecting rod and a separate cap that secures the rod in place. This segmentation allows the connecting rod to be easily inserted into the cavity while the cap provides independent securing without requiring torsional force or additional tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cap is designed to be self-securing through a friction fit within the receiving cavity, eliminating the need for external tools or complex securing mechanisms. The cap automatically locks the connecting rod in place through its own structural design, making the surgical procedure simpler and safer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If taper lock type bone screws are used, then the connecting rod can be secured to the bone screw, but additional tools are needed making the process complex and potentially unsafe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring connecting rod to bone screwVSAvoidsurgical procedure ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bone screw head is divided into two functional segments: a receiving cavity that holds the connecting rod and a separate cap that secures the rod in place. This segmentation allows the connecting rod to be easily inserted into the cavity while the cap provides independent securing without requiring torsional force or additional tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cap is designed to be self-securing through a friction fit within the receiving cavity, eliminating the need for external tools or complex securing mechanisms. The cap automatically locks the connecting rod in place through its own structural design, making the surgical procedure simpler and safer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional bone screw and rod constructs are used, then spinal stabilization can be achieved, but the attachment process requires additional tools and torsional force increasing the risk of complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilizationVSAvoidrisk of complications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bone screw head is divided into two functional segments: a receiving cavity that holds the connecting rod and a separate cap that secures the rod in place. This segmentation allows the connecting rod to be easily inserted into the cavity while the cap provides independent securing without requiring torsional force or additional tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cap is designed to be self-securing through a friction fit within the receiving cavity, eliminating the need for external tools or complex securing mechanisms. The cap automatically locks the connecting rod in place through its own structural design, making the surgical procedure simpler and safer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9186182B2Spinal stabilization system

Publication Date: 2015.11.17 VB SPINE LLC

AI summary

A spinal stabilization system includes 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 cap. The slot includes a leading end portion configured to receive the elongate rounded section of the connecting rod and a trailing end portion defining a planar surface. The cap is configured to enclose the planar surface of the trailing end portion of the slot and secure the connecting rod in the slot to the bone screw.