Vertebral Attachment Device With Flexible Strip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertebral fixing devices for correcting spinal curvatures are limited by mechanical articulation fragility, difficulty in adjustment, and high cost, with screw-based systems requiring healthy vertebrae and delicate hook placement to avoid spinal cord damage.
Innovation Solution
A vertebral fixing device with a U-shaped fixing body and adjustable clamping screw that compresses a flexible strip against the rod, allowing for flexible adjustment without shear stress and improved retention, using a single-piece rigid design and titanium or polymer materials for enhanced solidity and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws are used to fix vertebrae to rods, then strong fixation is achieved, but the vertebrae must be in good condition and wide enough at the fixing level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible strip as an intermediary element between the vertebra and the rod. This strip can be wrapped around the vertebra and secured to the rod, providing a fixation mechanism that does not require direct screw insertion into the vertebra. This intermediary approach allows fixation even when vertebrae are narrow or in poor condition, as the flexible strip can adapt to various vertebral shapes and sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hooks are used to fix vertebrae to rods, then fixation is achieved without requiring healthy vertebrae, but the operator must not touch the spinal cord for fear of paralyzing the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible strip serves as a safe intermediary that can be placed around the vertebra without requiring proximity to the spinal cord. Unlike hooks that must be carefully positioned to avoid neural structures, the flexible strip can be secured from the posterior approach, providing fixation while maintaining a safe distance from the spinal cord and reducing the risk of neurological injury.
3Reliability
If an articulated jaw is used to block the flexible strip, then fixation is achieved, but the device is fragile and does not allow for easy adjustment of the flexible strip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic blocking mechanism where the link part can be positioned at different locations along the rod and adjusted to accommodate varying lengths of the flexible strip. The blocking element can be moved longitudinally and secured at the optimal position, allowing easy adjustment of the flexible strip length while maintaining reliable fixation. This dynamic approach replaces the static articulated jaw with a more flexible and adjustable system.
4Reliability
If a clamping collar with notched flexible strip is used, then fixation is achieved, but the device is difficult to adjust and once tightened does not allow for the tightening to be repeated
Solution Approach 1:
The link part with its longitudinal slot and movable blocking element provides a dynamic fixation system that can be adjusted and re-tightened multiple times. Unlike the static clamping collar that locks in a fixed position, this design allows the blocking element to be repositioned along the rod and the flexible strip to be re-adjusted, enabling repeated tightening and adjustment as needed during surgery or post-operatively.
5Strength
If a single-piece rigid fixing body is used, then solidity and mechanical strength are improved, but the device requires precise placement and may need guiding tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fixing system into separate functional components: a U-shaped fixing body that provides structural strength, a flexible strip that can be independently positioned around the vertebra, and a link part with blocking element that can be adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall placement procedure, as the flexible strip can be positioned first followed by the securing of the link part.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a flexible, solid, and cost-effective vertebral fixation system with improved adjustment capabilities and reduced risk of mechanical failure, allowing for precise alignment and secure fixation of vertebrae without the need for articulation or delicate hook placement.
Implementation Method 1
adjustable clamping screw that compresses a flexible strip against the rod
Implementation Method 2
a flexible strip for linking said vertebra with the fixing body
Data Source
AI summary
A vertebral attachment system and method for retaining a spinal vertebra (25) on a rod (2) employ a device (1) including a body (3) for attachment to the rod, a flexible strip (4) for linking the vertebra to the attachment body and a means (5) for adjustably locking the flexible strip on the attachment body. The attachment body (3) is made of a single part having a U-shaped cross-section, for passing the rod between the bottom wall (10) of the U and the adjustable locking means. The adjustable locking means (5) consists of a linking part (18) connecting the opposite ends of the two arms (6, 7) of the U, arranged such as to compress the rod against the wall. The arms (6, 7) each include a recess (14) opposite thereof, located on the bottom side of the U, for passing the two ends of the strip between the bottom and the rod in order to form a loop for attachment to a vertebra.