Split-Ring Band Clamp Anchors for Secure Spinal Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved band clamp implants to secure flexible bands to bone during spinal deformity surgery, particularly in cases where pedicle screw placement is difficult or impossible due to weak bone or dysmorphic vertebrae.
Innovation Solution
The development of band clamp implant assemblies that include a main body with locking members to secure both spinal rods and flexible bands, featuring anchors with split ring bodies and mating recesses to prevent disassembly, and various configurations to accommodate different surgical needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pedicle screws are used for spinal fixation, then strong bone anchorage is achieved, but the procedure becomes impossible in cases of weak bone or dysmorphic vertebrae
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible band as an intermediary element that wraps around the vertebral body or lamina, providing a distribution of force across a larger surface area. This mediator allows fixation in cases where direct screw anchorage into the pedicle is not feasible due to weak bone or dysmorphic anatomy, while still achieving reliable spinal stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible band (thin film structure) that can conform to the vertebral anatomy and wrap around bony structures. This flexible element provides adaptability to various vertebral shapes and bone qualities, allowing secure fixation in cases where rigid pedicle screws cannot be properly implanted.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible bands are used as an alternative to pedicle screws, then adaptability to weak bone is improved, but the securing mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The band clamp implant is divided into distinct functional segments: a main body portion that interfaces with the vertebral bone, a band reception channel that guides and secures the flexible band, and a locking mechanism that maintains band tension. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system adaptability to weak bone structures.
3Reliability
If band clamp implants with locking members are used, then secure fixation is achieved, but the ease of operation during surgery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible band is pre-formed with appropriate curvature and tension characteristics to match the intended spinal anatomy. The band clamp implant is also pre-configured with its locking mechanism in an unlocked state, allowing for straightforward band insertion before final locking. This preliminary preparation simplifies the surgical procedure while ensuring secure fixation is achieved.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These implants effectively secure flexible bands to bone, allowing for spinal deformity correction and fixation, even in challenging anatomies, by providing tension and preventing disassembly, thus offering an alternative or supplement to pedicle screws.
Implementation Method 1
The anchor includes a split ring body with a central through opening and a cut in fluid communication with the central through opening. The anchor is receivable in a mating recess in the main body of the implant such that the cut allows the anchor to flex and squeeze into the mating recess. Once fully positioned in the recess, the anchor springs back open to prevent disassembly from the main body of the implant.
Data Source
AI summary
Implants, systems, and methods for securing a flexible band, thereby providing a desired correction to the spine. The implant may secure the flexible band to a spinal rod and/or a pedicle screw. The implant may include a first locking member configured to secure the spinal rod and a second locking member configured to secure the band. The band may be looped around bony anatomy and tensioned to achieve correction and provide fixation as an alternative and/or supplement to pedicle screws during spinal deformity surgery.