Tulip Assembly for Spinal Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pedicle screw systems are bulky, difficult to install, and lack features that enhance minimally invasive surgery techniques, leading to increased tissue damage and complexity in spinal surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A tulip assembly configured to be coupled with a pedicle screw, allowing separate locking of its orientation and rod position, enabling efficient insertion and secure fixation of the screw without pre-operative coupling, and reducing the complexity of installation through a three-step process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional pedicle screw systems are used, then bone fixation is achieved, but the systems are bulky and cause increased tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The tulip assembly is nested within the pedicle screw head, with the rod-receiving portion integrated into the screw structure. This nesting eliminates the need for separate bulky components and reduces overall system volume, thereby minimizing tissue damage during minimally invasive surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the pedicle screw and tulip assembly into a single integrated unit. The rod-receiving portion is combined with the screw head structure, reducing the number of separate components and decreasing the overall footprint of the fixation system, which reduces tissue damage.
2Ease of operation
If conventional pedicle screw systems are used, then bone fixation is achieved, but the systems are difficult to install and require pre-operative coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The tulip assembly is segmented into distinct functional portions: the rod-receiving portion with engagement surfaces is separated from the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each portion to be independently optimized and assembled in a straightforward sequence, reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement surfaces are pre-configured on the rod-receiving portion during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex pre-operative coupling or adjustment. The surfaces are ready for immediate rod insertion and locking, simplifying the surgical procedure.
3Device complexity
If conventional pedicle screw systems are used, then bone fixation is achieved, but numerous components must be carefully assembled together
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components are merged into the integrated tulip assembly structure. The rod-receiving portion, engagement surfaces, and locking mechanism are combined into a single unit that attaches to the pedicle screw, reducing the total number of components while maintaining assembly reliability through precise manufacturing tolerances.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pedicle screw systems are used, then bone fixation is achieved, but the systems are not suitable for minimally invasive surgery techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The compact nested design of the tulip assembly within the screw head creates a minimally invasive profile that can be inserted through smaller incisions. The integrated structure reduces the surgical footprint and improves compatibility with minimally invasive techniques while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A tulip assembly configured to be coupled to a head of a bone fixation device. The steps of fixing include inserting the pedicle screw into a bone, the pedicle screw including a head portion, expanding a first inner member over the head portion of the pedicle screw after the pedicle screw is inserted into a bone, fixing an angle of the tulip assembly relative to the pedicle screw using the first inner member and a second inner member, the first and second inner members situated in an outer member of the tulip assembly and positionally locking a rod in the tulip assembly after the angle is fixed by rotating the second inner member and outer member relative to each other after the fixing step.