Variable Spinal Connector Angular Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinal fixation system connectors are limited in accommodating non-parallel spinal linkage members, often requiring deformation of the members to achieve desired alignment, which can weaken the system and lead to vertebral instability.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a variable angle mechanism, featuring a pivotally mounted housing and spherical surfaces, allowing for adjustable alignment between spinal linkage members, and secured using setscrews to lock the members in place, enabling flexible angular adjustment while maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connectors with fixed alignment are used, then the connector structure is simple, but the linkage members must be deformed to achieve alignment, which weakens the system
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with a variable angle mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the angle between the first and second openings. The housing can be rotated relative to the body about a pivot axis, enabling the connector to adapt to different angular configurations of spinal linkage members during surgery, while maintaining structural integrity without requiring member deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a body with first opening, a housing with second opening, and a variable angle mechanism connecting them. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and enables the housing to rotate relative to the body, providing alignment flexibility while keeping the overall structure manageable
2Reliability
If conventional connectors require member deformation for alignment, then the connector maintains fixed alignment, but the spinal fixation system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable angle mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the connector's angular configuration to match the desired alignment of spinal linkage members. The housing can be rotated to various angles and then locked in place using setscrews, allowing optimal alignment without deforming the linkage members, thereby maintaining system reliability and vertebral stability
Solution Approach 2:
The variable angle mechanism acts as an intermediary between the first and second openings, accommodating angular differences between spinal linkage members. This intermediary mechanism absorbs the alignment variations through controlled rotation rather than requiring deformation of the critical linkage members or vertebrae
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal fixation system connector for maintaining a predetermined positions of a spinal linkage members fastened to vertebrae of a patient. The connector includes a body having first and second openings extending along first and second axes, respectively. The connector includes a first fastener for fastening the first member in the first opening and a second fastener for fastening the second member in the second opening. Prior to the first fastener fastening the first spinal linkage member in the first opening and the second fastener fastening the second spinal linkage member in the second opening, the body is manipulatable to adjust an angle between the first axis and the second axis. When the first fastener fastens the first member in the first opening and the second fastener fastens the second member in the second opening, the angle between the first axis and the second axis is fixed.