Transverse Rod Connector with Ball Joints for Cervical Spine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional transverse connectors in spinal fixation systems lack the ability to adapt to the natural anatomical variations of the spinal column, particularly in the posterior cervical spine region, where they cannot be inserted due to the short distance between bone anchor heads, and fail to provide secure and easy multidirectional articulation.

Innovation Solution

A transverse rod connector with elongate and connection members that are longitudinally adjustable and multidirectionally positionable, featuring hinged, ball joint, and sliding mechanisms to securely attach to bone anchors, allowing for flexible alignment and secure fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional fixed transverse connector is used, then the structure is simple and rigid, but it cannot adapt to anatomical variations and cannot be inserted in the posterior cervical spine region

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to anatomical variationsVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transverse connector is divided into multiple segments: a first connection member, a second connection member, and an optional elongate member connecting them. Each connection member can independently articulate with its associated bone anchor, allowing the overall structure to adapt to various anatomical configurations while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector incorporates dynamic articulation mechanisms including ball joints and hinged closing portions that allow movement in multiple directions. This enables the rigid-looking structure to dynamically adjust to anatomical variations during implantation and to accommodate post-implantation movement, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid transverse connector is used, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot be re-configured during implantation to accommodate anatomical variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvere-configurability during implantationVSAvoidease of implantation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ball joints and hinged mechanisms enable the connector to be dynamically re-configured during implantation. The surgeon can articulate the connection members to different angles and positions to match the patient's anatomy, then lock them in place, combining ease of operation with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The articulating mechanisms are designed to be self-adjusting within their mechanical constraints. Once positioned, the ball joints and hinges maintain their configuration through mechanical self-locking or friction, reducing the need for complex adjustment procedures during implantation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a transverse connector with multidirectional articulation is used, then adaptability to anatomy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultidirectional articulation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multidirectional articulation is achieved through segmentation into discrete functional units (ball joints, hinged closing portions) rather than a single complex mechanism. This modular approach enables adaptability while keeping each individual component relatively simple and the overall assembly manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ball joints and hinged mechanisms serve multiple functions: they enable multidirectional articulation, allow re-configurability during implantation, and provide mechanical locking capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional cross connector is used in the posterior cervical spine region, then the procedure is simple, but it cannot be inserted due to short distance between bone anchor heads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to posterior cervical spineVSAvoidease of insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The articulating connection members can compress and articulate to accommodate the short distance between cervical bone anchors. The hinged closing portions allow the connector to flex and adapt to the constrained space, enabling insertion where rigid connectors would fail while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive articulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9468472B2Transverse rod connector

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 VB SPINE LLC

AI summary

A transverse rod connector includes an elongate member having first and second ends and first and second connection members. The first and second connection members are connected with first and second ends, respectively. The first and second connection members are configured for multidirectional positioning with respect to the elongate member. The first and second connection members are each dimensioned to be selectively and releasably secured to a bone anchor.