Variable Angle Spinal Connection Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal implant connection assemblies face challenges in securely connecting elongated rods to bone anchors due to variations in anchor angles and positions, leading to potential instability and difficulty in achieving a secure, adjustable connection.
Innovation Solution
A variable angle connection assembly comprising a housing member, receiving member, and annular components with ridges and lumens, allowing for rotatable and translational connection, and an interference member for locking, enabling secure attachment of spinal implants to bone anchors while accommodating angular and positional variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bone anchors are positioned at various angles and distances from the elongated rod to accommodate anatomical structure and surgeon preference, then adaptability is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable receiving member that can rotate within the housing member to accommodate angular variations, and a translatable interference member that moves along the longitudinal axis to adjust to positional variations. These dynamic adjustments allow the assembly to adapt to different anchor angles and positions while maintaining secure connection through controlled locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly utilizes parameter changes by allowing the receiving member to rotate (changing angular parameter) and the interference member to translate (changing positional parameter). These parameter adjustments enable the connection assembly to accommodate variations in anchor orientation and location while maintaining reliable connection through the locking interfaces.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is implemented to secure the connection between the rod and bone anchors, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated interference member that can independently engage or disengage from the receiving member. This separation allows the locking mechanism to be activated only when needed, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining secure connection when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The interference member acts as an intermediary element between the receiving member and the anchor, providing the locking function without requiring direct complex interaction between the rod and anchor. This intermediary approach simplifies the connection mechanism while ensuring reliable locking.
3Ease of operation
If the receiving member is made rotatable and translatable to accommodate angle and position variations, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational and translational adjustment capabilities are merged into a single receiving member structure, allowing both angular and positional adjustments to be achieved through integrated movements rather than separate mechanisms. This consolidation simplifies the overall device while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly configured to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, a variable angle connection assembly that is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. Furthermore, a connection assembly that will not inadvertently lock the components of the connection assembly preventing the relative movement of the components.