Spine Cross Connector Bilateral Rod Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In spine surgery, particularly for scoliosis, existing methods face challenges in providing adequate lateral support and stability for metal rods used to correct spinal curvature, especially in percutaneous procedures where limited rod exposure complicates achieving and maintaining spinal alignment.
Innovation Solution
A cross connector system comprising hooks with a flexible and rigid connector that secures rods on opposite sides of the spine, allowing for tensioning and fixation of rod spacing to maintain alignment and stability, facilitating percutaneous surgery by providing additional support and limiting bilateral movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If percutaneous surgery is performed with limited rod exposure, then invasiveness is reduced and scarring is minimized, but lateral support and alignment stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional single-rod construction to a bilateral rod system with cross-connectors, adding a lateral dimension of support. The cross-connectors bridge the space between rods on opposite sides of the spine, creating a three-dimensional stabilizing structure that provides lateral support without requiring large incisions for rod manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite construction by combining multiple rods with cross-connectors to form a unified stabilization system. This composite structure integrates the strength of individual rods with the lateral bracing provided by cross-connectors, achieving enhanced stability while maintaining the percutaneous approach.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rods are secured on opposite sides of the spine for extra support, then lateral stability improves, but device complexity and surgical difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system is segmented into modular components: individual rods, hooks for rod attachment, and cross-connectors. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and secured through small incisions, then assembled into a complete bilateral structure, reducing overall surgical complexity despite the enhanced stability provided.
3Device complexity
If traditional single-rod construction is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but lateral support adequacy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple rods with cross-connectors into an integrated bilateral stabilization system. This combination creates a synergistic effect where the cross-connectors transfer lateral loads between the rods, providing adequate lateral support that neither component could achieve alone, while maintaining relative simplicity through standardized connector designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical connector useful to link spine rods together. The connector may be used adjacent a pair of mounting screws in one vertebra to limit movement between the screws or may be used to apply a lateral force to a portion of the spine to change curvature. A method of performing spinal surgery is also provided to reinforce a patient's spine.