Transverse Connector Spherical Fasteners Spinal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization systems lack an effective cross connector to provide additional stability between vertebral anchors, which is crucial for treating spinal disorders and maintaining the integrity of the spinal column.
Innovation Solution
A transverse connector with spherical surfaces and threaded fasteners is designed to securely couple between vertebral anchors, allowing for rotational movement and adjustable orientation, thereby enhancing the stability of the spinal stabilization system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a transverse connector is added to bridge between vertebral anchors, then stability of the spinal stabilization system is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse connector is divided into separate modular components including a body portion, fasteners with spherical upper surfaces, and coupling assemblies. This segmentation allows the complex connector to be assembled from simpler individual parts, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the stability function of bridging between vertebral anchors.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assemblies are designed to nest within or attach to the vertebral anchor housings, with spherical surfaces nesting together to form compact connections. This nesting arrangement allows the transverse connector to integrate seamlessly with the existing spinal stabilization system components, adding stability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spherical surfaces with rotational movement capability are used in the connector, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fasteners incorporate spherical upper surfaces that mate with corresponding spherical surfaces in the coupling assemblies. This spheroidal geometry inherently provides multi-axial rotational capability and adjustable orientation without requiring complex mechanical joints, achieving adaptability through simple curved surfaces that are relatively straightforward to manufacture with standard precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A transverse connector for coupling between first and second vertebral anchors of a spinal stabilization system. The transverse connector includes a first coupling assembly proximate a first end, a second coupling assembly proximate a second end, a first fastener having external threading configured to threadably engage an internal threaded portion of a housing of the first vertebral anchor, and a second fastener having external threading configured to threadably engage an internal threaded portion of a housing of the second vertebral anchor. Each of the first and second fasteners includes a spherical upper surface, such as a spherically concave upper surface. A spherical surface of each of the first and second coupling assemblies mates with the spherical upper surface of the respective fastener to provide multi-axial rotation of the transverse connector relative to the housings to permit a desired orientation of the transverse connector.