Transverse Connector Cam Actuation for Spinal Rod Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transverse connectors for spinal rods in minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges such as interference between components, complex locking mechanisms, damage to soft tissues, and exposure risks due to set screws, which complicate the securement and alignment of non-parallel spinal rods.
Innovation Solution
A transverse connecting assembly with rotatable cam members and asymmetric actuators that allow for linear, pivotal, and rotational movement of spinal rods, featuring a cross rod with rod receiving devices and actuator members that securely lock the rods in place without the need for multiple locking mechanisms, reducing tissue damage and invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are used to secure non-parallel spinal rods, then the reliability of securing the rods is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single cam actuator that simultaneously locks both spinal rods. The cam mechanism integrates the functions of securing rod 1 and rod 2, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms at each end of the cross connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cam actuator serves multiple functions: it locks the first spinal rod, locks the second spinal rod, and maintains the angular relationship between rods. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated locking mechanisms.
2Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are used to secure non-parallel spinal rods, then the reliability of securing the rods is improved, but the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single cam actuator that simultaneously locks both spinal rods. The cam mechanism integrates the functions of securing rod 1 and rod 2, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms at each end of the cross connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam actuator is designed to automatically engage and lock both spinal rods when activated. The surgeon simply activates the single cam, which then self-secures both rods without requiring manual adjustment or multiple separate locking actions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cross connectors are used to secure non-parallel spinal rods, then the adaptability to different rod configurations is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors worsen due to soft tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cross connector is designed with adjustable parameters including angular adjustment capability and length variability. This allows the device to adapt to different spinal rod configurations and anatomical variations while maintaining a low-profile design that minimizes soft tissue disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities allowing the surgeon to modify the angular relationship and length of the cross connector intraoperatively to match the specific patient anatomy and rod positioning requirements, all through a minimally invasive approach.
4Ease of manufacture
If set screws are used in transverse connectors, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors worsen due to exposure risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the set screw component entirely from the design, replacing it with a cam-based locking mechanism. This extraction of the problematic set screw eliminates the exposure risk while maintaining the manufacturing simplicity through the use of standard cam components.
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
The assembly effectively secures spinal rods with minimal invasiveness, providing strong locking forces and tactile feedback for precise positioning, reducing the risk of damage and complications during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator may be a cam member that, when rotated, shifts an adjacent spinal rod radially outward from the rotational axis of the cam member.
Data Source
AI summary
A crosslink or connecting assembly is provided to secure multiple spinal rods in relation to each other. The connecting assembly is disposed transversely between two spinal rods and has moveable components for rotating, pivoting, and extending portions of the connecting device in order to accommodate the positioning of the spinal rods.