Universal Spinal Rod Clamping Mechanism for Variable Diameter Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization devices require multiple bone anchoring devices with different diameters, increasing costs and complexity for surgeons due to the need for specific devices for various spinal regions, and limiting the ability to adjust for growth or changes in spinal conditions like scoliosis.
Innovation Solution
A modular stabilization device with a bone anchoring element, receiving part, and locking ring system that allows for the secure clamping of rods with varying diameters, independent of the rod's diameter, using a flexible locking mechanism and reduced number of parts, enabling easy assembly and adjustment during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple bone anchoring devices with different diameters are used for different spinal regions, then the stabilization can be optimized for each region, but the costs increase and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchoring device is designed with a universal head structure that can accommodate rods of different diameters through a single device. The head includes a recess with a clamping mechanism that can securely hold rods ranging from 3mm to 6.35mm in diameter, eliminating the need for multiple specialized anchoring devices for different spinal regions.
2Reliability
If multiple bone anchoring devices with different diameters are used for different spinal regions, then the stabilization can be optimized for each region, but the costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchoring device is designed with a universal head structure that can accommodate rods of different diameters through a single device. The head includes a recess with a clamping mechanism that can securely hold rods ranging from 3mm to 6.35mm in diameter, eliminating the need for multiple specialized anchoring devices for different spinal regions.
3Ease of operation
If a modular system with flexible locking mechanism is used, then the ease of operation improves and adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism in the head is designed to automatically adjust and secure rods of different diameters without requiring additional parts or complex adjustment procedures. The mechanism self-adjusts to the rod diameter within the acceptable range, simplifying the surgical procedure while maintaining adaptability.
4Device complexity
If the number of parts is reduced, then the device complexity decreases and ease of manufacture improves, but the adaptability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchoring device is designed with a universal head structure that can accommodate rods of different diameters through a single device. The head includes a recess with a clamping mechanism that can securely hold rods ranging from 3mm to 6.35mm in diameter, eliminating the need for multiple specialized anchoring devices for different spinal regions.
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilization assembly for stabilizing a vertebra or other bone includes: at least two rods having different diameters; an anchoring element having a shaft and a head; a receiving part for interchangeably receiving any one of the rods to connect the rod to the anchoring element, the receiving part including a rod receiving portion with a channel for receiving the rod, and a head receiving portion having an open end and being flexible to allow introduction and clamping of the head; and a locking ring configured to be arranged around the head receiving portion and to clamp the head in the head receiving portion; wherein the locking ring includes a contact surface configured to contact any one of the at least two rods at at least two distinct contact areas that are spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction of the rod.