Transverse Connector for Spinal Rods with Adjustable Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fixation systems face challenges in providing transverse stability and adjustability between spinal implant rods, with adjustable connectors being complex and requiring pre-operative planning, and fixed connectors lacking the ability to accommodate different rod distances.
Innovation Solution
A top-loading connector assembly with adjustable locking members that allows for the connection of spinal implant rods and a transverse rod, enabling adjustment and simplification of the surgical procedure by using a single locking member to fix the transverse and spinal rods, while maintaining a low profile and reducing inventory needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable connectors are used to accommodate different distances between spinal implant rods, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components requiring assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transverse rod and connector into a single integrated component. The connector features a channel that receives the spinal rod and a bore that receives the transverse rod, eliminating the need for separate adjustable connectors and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different rod distances through its channel and bore configuration. A single locking member serves multiple functions: securing the transverse rod to the connector and subsequently securing the spinal rod to the assembly, reducing the number of components needed.
2Device complexity
If fixed connectors are used to simplify the device structure, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different rod distances is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking member can be positioned in different locations within the channel. This allows the connector to adapt to different rod distances while maintaining a simple fixed structure. The locking member can be advanced or withdrawn as needed during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into functional zones: a channel for the spinal rod, a bore for the transverse rod, and a locking member that can be positioned independently. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and adaptability.
3Reliability
If pre-operative planning is required for attaching transverse connector components to spinal implant rods, then reliability is improved through proper positioning, but loss of time increases due to planning and preparation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with preliminary features that eliminate the need for complex pre-operative planning. The channel and bore are pre-configured to receive the spinal and transverse rods respectively, and the locking member is pre-positioned to secure both rods. This allows for rapid intraoperative assembly without extensive pre-operative preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The channel naturally guides the spinal rod into position, the bore guides the transverse rod, and the locking member automatically secures both rods when advanced into its final position. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex pre-operative planning and positioning procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transverse connector components are used to achieve adjustability, then adaptability is improved, but inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various rod distances through its channel and bore configuration. A single locking member serves multiple functions: securing the transverse rod to the connector and subsequently securing the spinal rod to the assembly, reducing the number of different components needed in inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the transverse rod and connector into a single integrated component with the locking member, the patent reduces the variety of parts that need to be inventoried. Instead of requiring multiple different connectors for different rod distances, a single connector design with adjustable locking capability suffices.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal implant system is provided for correcting spinal abnormalities. The system involves connectors configured to fit over spinal implant rods, a transverse rod, and a locking member for fixing each connector to the spinal implant rod and transverse rod. The connector is configured such that when the locking member is in a first position, the transverse rod is temporarily fixed to the connector, and when the locking member is in a second position, both the transverse rod and spinal implant rod are fixed to the connector.