Semi-Adjustable Vertebral Fixation System for Lateral Spine Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for minimally invasive fixation systems that can engage the anterior column across multiple levels, particularly in conjunction with lateral access fusion procedures, as existing systems are limited to single-level procedures and often require patient repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A vertebral fixation system comprising anchor assemblies with a semi-adjustable design, including a fixation body with concave curvature to fit the vertebral body, a bone anchor, rod-receiving member, washer, and anchor lock, allowing independent implantation of the bone anchor and semi-adjustable rod placement to accommodate the spinal structure, with a sequential dilation system for minimally invasive implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional open surgical techniques are used to access the spine for fixation, then stable multi-level fixation can be achieved, but large incisions and high tissue displacement are required causing increased pain and morbidity
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into separate modular components including pedicle screws, rods, and connection elements that can be independently implanted and assembled. This segmentation allows for minimally invasive implantation through smaller incisions while maintaining the stability of the complete fixation construct.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables access to the posterior elements of the spine through a lateral approach, changing the traditional surgical access dimension. This allows fixation to be achieved through a different anatomical pathway that avoids the need for large midline incisions and extensive muscle dissection.
2Reliability
If existing fixation systems are used for multi-level procedures, then fixation can be achieved, but patient repositioning is required increasing surgical time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is designed with universal components that can engage multiple vertebral levels through a single surgical approach. The modular rods and connection elements can accommodate various vertebral configurations and levels, eliminating the need to reposition the patient between levels.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fixation elements and engagement points are combined into a single integrated construct that spans multiple vertebral levels. This merging allows the surgeon to address multiple levels during one continuous surgical procedure without interrupting to reposition the patient.
3Reliability
If existing fixation systems are used for multi-level procedures, then fixation can be achieved, but the configuration must be changed for each procedure due to varying anatomical characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities allowing the configuration to be modified intraoperatively to match the patient's specific anatomy. Components such as adjustable-angle connectors and modular rod segments enable the system to adapt to varying vertebral geometries and surgical requirements while maintaining fixation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter adjustments including rod curvature, screw angle, and connection geometry to be changed according to the specific anatomical characteristics of each patient. This parametric adaptability enables a single base system design to serve multiple surgical scenarios without requiring completely different configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes example an surgical fixation system and example methods for implanting the surgical fixation system on the spine. The surgical fixation system can be applied minimally invasively to the anterior column for both single level and multi-level constructs. The surgical system can be applied to the anterior column via lateral access approaches. The lateral access approach may traverse the psoas muscle. The fixation system includes a plurality of anchor assemblies connected by a spinal rod. The anchor assemblies each include a fixation body, bone anchor, rod-receiving member, anchor lock and rod lock. The rod-receiving member may be moveably coupled to the fixation body to facilitate rod insertion.