Spiral Rod Bone Fixation System for Spinal Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fixing parts to bone elements, such as spinal prostheses, often face challenges due to insufficient clearance for screw placement, requiring alternative anchoring methods like spikes or osteosynthesis, which restrict patient movement until bone growth is complete.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a spiral rod with through-holes and a rotating mechanism that allows the rod to alternate in and out of the holes, providing a secure fixation without the need for extensive clearance, using a rib for additional stability and ease of implantation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screws are used to fix a part to a bone element, then immediate integral connection is achieved, but insufficient clearance prevents screw placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidclearance for screw placement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of passing screws through the part from the front (requiring clearance), the invention inverts the approach by inserting the rod through holes in the part from the rear, eliminating the need for front clearance while achieving the same fixation purpose

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from linear screw insertion (one-dimensional approach requiring clearance) to rotational helical insertion (adding rotational dimension), allowing the rod to engage bone through a rotating motion that doesn't require front clearance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If spikes or ribs are used to anchor in the bone surface, then fixation is achieved, but only through natural bone growth (osteosynthesis)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of fixation methodVSAvoidimmediate connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a dynamic rotational insertion process that transforms the static spike/rib anchoring into an active helical engagement, allowing immediate mechanical interlocking while maintaining the simplicity of surface anchoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rod combines multiple functional elements (helical spiral for bone engagement, cylindrical shaft for structural integrity, holes for locking mechanism) into a single composite component that achieves both immediate stability and long-term integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If osteosynthesis material is used to promote bone growth, then connection is achieved, but patient movement is restricted until bone growth is complete

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone connection strengthVSAvoidpatient mobility recovery

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The helical rod performs preliminary mechanical interlocking action before bone growth occurs, providing immediate stability that allows patient mobility while bone consolidation progresses in the background

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8142504B2System for fixing a part to a bone element

Publication Date: 2012.03.27 NORGINE VENTURES BV

AI summary

The invention relates to a system which is used to fix a part to a bone element. The invention is essentially characterized in that it consists of: at least one hole which is disposed in part; a rigid rod comprising a first end, the rod being wound into a spiral along a first helicoidal curve; and a device for rotating the rod around the axis of the first helicoidal curve, such that the first end of the rod moves alternatively inside and outside the bone element and, during the rotation thereof, the first end of the rod moves at least once into the opening. The invention is particularly suitable for fixing intervertebral disks or fusion cages to the vertebral bodies of two consecutive vertebrae.