Vertebral Fixation Strap with Ratchet Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vertebral fixation devices are difficult to attach to vertebrae, risk damaging the spinal cord and roots, and often provide insufficient support, leading to the need for spinal fusion.
Innovation Solution
A spinal fixation device with a body member and an elongate flexible strap featuring teeth and a latch system that allows for one-way tightening around a vertebra, reducing the need for additional instruments and minimizing damage risk, while providing additional support and allowing for post-attachment position correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vertebral fixation devices are used, then vertebral fixation is achieved, but the attachment process is difficult and risks damaging the spinal cord and roots
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows the surgeon to tighten the strap around the vertebra by simply pulling on the strap itself, without requiring complex external tools. The ratchet mechanism automatically engages to maintain tension, making the attachment process self-sufficient and reducing the need for additional instruments that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible strap acts as an intermediary element between the body member and the vertebra. It provides a compliant interface that can be easily positioned and tightened around the vertebra, reducing direct mechanical stress and damage risk compared to rigid fixation methods.
2Reliability
If traditional vertebral fixation devices are used, then fixation is achieved, but additional instruments are required for attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism is integrated into the body member and works directly with the strap, eliminating the need for separate tightening tools. The device attaches itself through a simple pull-and-lock action, reducing instrument complexity while maintaining secure fixation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid prostheses are used for vertebral fixation, then stability is increased, but the recipient's range of motion is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible strap provides dynamic stabilization that allows physiological movement of the vertebrae while maintaining fixation. Unlike rigid rods, the strap can accommodate natural range of motion while preventing excessive movement through its tension-based stabilization mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible strap acts as a compliant fixation element that maintains vertebral stability through tension rather than rigidity. This allows the prosthesis to move with the vertebrae during normal motion while still providing the necessary stabilizing force.
4Stability of the object's composition
If spinal fusion is performed to provide sufficient support, then vertebral stability is achieved, but the procedure is more radical and limits motion
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible strap provides dynamic stabilization that maintains vertebral support while preserving motion, offering an alternative to spinal fusion. The tension-based system adapts to physiological movement patterns, providing stability without the need for complete motion restriction.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal fixation device is provided, comprising a body member having a first side and an opposite second side, and an elongate flexible strap having a first section and a second section. The first section of the strap is attached or attachable to attachment means of the body member arranged at a first location thereof. The second section of the strap is sized and shaped to pass through a passageway arranged at a second location of the body member. The strap has a series of teeth and the passageway of the body member has a latch configured for engaging one of the teeth. The teeth and the latch are configured to allow a movement of the second section of the strap through the passageway in a tightening direction from the first side to the second side of the body member, and to prevent a movement of the second section in the opposite direction.