Uniplanar Bone Anchor System Single-Plane Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic fixation systems lack a reliable mechanism for a bone anchor that can move relative to a connecting device in a controlled, single plane, which is essential for precise stabilization and alignment in spinal and other musculoskeletal procedures.
Innovation Solution
A uniplanar bone anchor system comprising a bone fastener with a head and shaft, a saddle with a central bore and coupling bores, and a coupling system that allows the bone fastener to move in only one plane, enabling controlled movement and stabilization by contacting specific bearing surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a bone anchor is designed to move relative to a connecting device, then alignment precision is improved, but control over the movement plane becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the bone anchor and connecting device. This coupling system includes features that guide and constrain the relative movement to occur within a single predetermined plane, thereby providing both alignment precision and operational control. The coupling system mediates the interaction between the moving bone anchor and the connecting device, ensuring movement occurs only in the desired plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone anchor system incorporates dynamic elements that allow controlled relative movement while maintaining stability. The coupling mechanism enables the bone anchor to move dynamically within a single plane relative to the connecting device, providing adaptability for alignment while maintaining operational control through the constrained movement path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bone anchor allows relative movement, then stabilization flexibility is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchor system is segmented into distinct functional components: a bone anchor portion, a connecting device, and a coupling system. This segmentation allows the bone anchor to move relative to the connecting device within controlled parameters while maintaining overall structural stability. The coupling system acts as a stable intermediary that permits controlled movement without compromising the integrity of the entire fixation system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the system have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The coupling system is designed with local characteristics that allow relative movement between the bone anchor and connecting device while maintaining stability in other critical areas. The bearing surfaces and coupling features are locally optimized to provide both flexibility and stability where needed.
3Ease of operation
If bearing surfaces are added to enable single-plane movement, then movement control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system merges multiple functions into a single integrated component or assembly. The bearing surfaces, coupling features, and movement guidance elements are combined in a unified coupling mechanism that enables single-plane movement control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity. The integration of these features allows for compact design and simplified assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a spinal fixation procedure. A uniplanar bone anchor system for a fixation procedure is provided. The system can include a bone fastener including a head with a bearing surface and a shaft adapted to engage an anatomy. The system can also include a saddle, which can include a first bore formed about a longitudinal axis that receives the bone fastener and a coupling bore defined transverse to the longitudinal axis. The system can also include a coupling system, which can have a second bearing surface. The coupling system can be received through the coupling bore such that the second bearing surface of the coupling system can contact the bearing surface to permit the bone fastener to move in only one plane.