Vertebral Anchor With Tie Opening For Bone Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone anchoring systems, particularly in osteoporotic patients, face challenges with unreliable fastening due to weak and brittle bones, leading to anchor pullout over time, especially when not rigidly fixing bone elements.
Innovation Solution
A bone anchor system comprising a base with a longitudinal shaft and thread for secure insertion into bone, along with a connector for mounting an elongate member and an opening for receiving a tie to enhance anchoring stability, including various configurations such as U-shaped notches and slots for improved attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screws or hooks are used for bone anchoring, then the anchoring system is simple to implement, but the reliability of fastening deteriorates in weak and brittle bones such as osteoporotic bone
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is divided into multiple functional components: a base for bone engagement, a connector for attaching the elongate member, and an opening for receiving a tie. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability without requiring complete redesign of the entire anchor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is mounted on the base, and the opening is positioned on the connector, creating a nested structure where smaller functional elements are integrated within larger ones. This nesting allows multiple functions (anchoring, connection, and tying) to be combined in a compact configuration that maintains reliability while controlling complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If bone elements are not rigidly fixed, then the surgical technique allows for movement and adjustment, but the loading on anchors changes over time causing anchor pullout
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system incorporates dynamic elements including the opening for receiving a tie that can be adjusted after implantation, and the connector that allows for mounting and securing the elongate member. This dynamic design enables initial placement followed by subsequent stabilization, providing both adjustability and long-term stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed with engagement features that provide preliminary stabilization upon insertion, while the connector and opening are configured to allow for subsequent tying actions. This preliminary action ensures immediate structural support while permitting later adjustments to achieve optimal stability.
3Reliability
If ties are added to wrap around vertebrae, then the anchoring security is improved, but the device complexity and surgical procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tying function is extracted as a separate, optional feature through the opening in the connector, rather than being integrated into the basic anchor structure. This allows the tie to be added only when enhanced security is needed, rather than requiring all anchors to undergo complex tying procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the connector serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates the tying process. By providing a dedicated opening positioned on the connector, the system enables secure tie attachment without requiring complex surgical maneuvers, reducing the time and complexity associated with adding enhanced anchoring security.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor for attaching an elongate member to bone. The anchor includes a base adapted for attaching to bone and a connector mounted on the base. The connector includes a mount for mounting the elongate member and an opening sized and positioned on the connector for receiving a tie for tying the anchor to the bone when the base is attached to the bone.