Universal Transverse Connector for Spinal Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transverse connector devices in orthopedic spine surgery lack adaptability to various rod diameters and pedicle screw sizes, often causing stress and limited compatibility with existing hardware, which complicates surgical procedures and post-operative recovery.
Innovation Solution
A universal transverse connector device with rotatable and adjustable components, including grasping members, rotatable rods, and engaging members, that can securely lock onto pedicle screws and spinal fixation rods of different sizes, allowing for flexible positioning and reduced stress on the spinal structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a transverse connector device is designed to securely connect two opposing spinal rods, then stability and rigidity are improved, but adaptability to various rod diameters and pedicle screw sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse connector device incorporates universal engagement features including a rod grasping member with internal structures that can accommodate rods of various diameters, and an engaging member with a spherical head that can interface with different pedicle screw head sizes and configurations. This multi-functional design allows a single device to perform secure connection across multiple rod and screw variants, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms such as a rotatable rod that can be positioned at various angles and locked in place, and an engaging member with rotational freedom that allows adaptation to different screw orientations. These dynamic features enable the connector to maintain stable connection while adapting to various anatomical and hardware configurations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If transverse connectors are connected to opposing rods midway between two pedicle screws to increase rigidity, then torsional stability is improved, but stress on the spinal construct increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging member features a spherical head that rotates within a corresponding spherical receptacle, allowing the connector to accommodate natural anatomical curvatures and movements of the spine. This curved geometry distributes mechanical stress more evenly across the spinal construct compared to rigid linear connections, maintaining torsional stability while reducing peak stress concentrations.
3Reliability
If the transverse connector device is designed with complex locking mechanisms to securely lock into desired position, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates self-locking features where the rod grasping member and engaging member automatically secure themselves through friction and geometric interlocking once positioned. The spherical engagement interface and tapered rod grasping surfaces create natural locking action that maintains reliable connection without requiring complex manual locking procedures, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting apparatus includes a first grasping member adapted to hold a first elongated member and a second grasping member adapted to hold a second elongated member. The second grasping member is operatively connected to the first grasping member so that the first and second grasping members are movable relative to each other. The apparatus further includes a first rotatable rod disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first grasping member, a second rotatable rod disposed in mechanical cooperation with the second grasping member, a first engaging member operatively connected to the first rotatable rod, and a second engaging member operatively connected to the second rotatable rod. The first engaging member is adapted to engage at least a portion of a first pedicle screw. The second engaging member is adapted to engage at least a portion of a second pedicle screw.