Split Tower Assembly for Secure Bone Anchor Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive spinal procedures face challenges with existing bone anchor designs that require complex installation, risk material loss, and obstruct visualization due to undesired separation of extensions from anchors and single-piece assemblies that obstruct vision.
Innovation Solution
A split tower assembly with a releasable locking mechanism that securely attaches to the anchor head, allowing easy removal and improved visualization, reducing stretching of the surgical site, and preventing unwanted separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece assembly is used for the bone anchor, then manufacturing is simpler, but visualization is obstructed and unwanted separation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchor assembly is divided into multiple separable components including a body portion, extension portions, and a tower assembly that can be attached and detached. This segmentation allows the surgeon to remove the tower assembly for improved visualization while maintaining the structural integrity of the anchor in the bone, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and visualization requirements.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If extensions are made separable from the anchor, then visualization is improved, but unwanted separation and material loss risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tower assembly includes pre-configured locking mechanisms and engagement features that are prepared in advance to securely attach to the extension portions. The set screw and locking槽 are pre-positioned to ensure reliable connection before the procedure begins, preventing unwanted separation while allowing controlled removal for visualization when needed.
3Strength
If the tower assembly is permanently attached, then structural integrity is maintained, but surgical site stretching increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic controlled connection. The tower assembly can be securely attached when structural integrity is needed for rod insertion, and easily detached when visualization or site access is required. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different surgical phases, improving overall surgical efficiency without compromising structural integrity when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor extender can be couplable to a bone anchor and can include an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, and a lock. The lock can be operable to translate the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve between a locked position and an unlocked position to secure the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve to a head of the bone anchor in the locked position and to release the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve from the head of the bone anchor in the unlocked position.