Uniplanar Bone Anchor System Single-Plane Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic fixation systems for stabilizing vertebrae in the spine lack the ability to allow for controlled movement in a single plane, which can complicate surgical procedures and alignment during spinal fusion or stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A uniplanar bone anchor system comprising a bone fastener with a saddle and a coupling system that enables the bone fastener to move relative to the saddle in only one plane, allowing for precise alignment and stabilization of vertebrae while allowing for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional orthopedic fixation systems are used to stabilize vertebrae, then stabilization is achieved, but controlled movement in a single plane cannot be provided, complicating surgical procedures and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by creating a coupling system that allows the bone fastener to move relative to the saddle in a controlled manner within a single plane. The coupling system includes features such as a coupling bore, bearing surfaces, and retention mechanisms that enable dynamic adjustment during surgery while maintaining stability. This dynamic capability simplifies surgical procedures by allowing real-time alignment adjustments without requiring complex multi-planar movement systems.
2Reliability
If the bone fastener is rigidly fixed to the saddle, then stability is maximized, but the ability to allow controlled movement in one plane is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the coupling interface into distinct functional components: the saddle with its bearing surfaces, the bone fastener with its coupling bore, and the intermediate coupling system with retention features. This segmented design allows each component to perform its specific function - the saddle provides stable mounting, the coupling system enables controlled single-plane movement, and the bone fastener maintains anatomical fixation. The segmentation allows movement control while preserving overall fixation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the saddle and the bone fastener. It includes bearing surfaces that contact each other to permit controlled movement, retention features that maintain connection, and coupling bores that align the components. This intermediary design enables the bone fastener to move relative to the saddle in a controlled manner while maintaining stable fixation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-planar movement is allowed, then adaptability is improved, but precision of alignment and stabilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the coupling system with non-symmetric features that constrain movement to a single plane. The bearing surfaces are positioned and oriented asymmetrically relative to the coupling bore and retention features, creating geometric constraints that limit movement to one specific plane. This asymmetric configuration provides adaptability within the allowed plane while maintaining precise alignment, as the asymmetric geometry naturally guides the bone fastener through a controlled arc of movement rather than allowing unrestricted multi-planar motion.
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.