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Design of an occipito-cervical fixation device
D E Shepherd1, C M Bolger, J C Leahy
1Department of Bio-Medical Physics and Bio-Engineering, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
Summary
New cervical fixation devices aim to improve posterior cervical spine stabilization. This study details the design of an innovative device to address issues like screw loosening and surgical visualization challenges in current systems.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Spinal Instrumentation
Background:
- Posterior cervical spine stabilization commonly utilizes metal plates and screws inserted into vertebral lateral masses.
- Existing cervical plate systems face challenges including screw loosening and impaired surgical visualization during screw insertion.
- Current plating techniques may extend to the occiput for enhanced support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce an initial design for a novel cervical fixation device.
- To overcome identified limitations of current posterior cervical plate systems.
- To guide the design and development process for a manufacturable prototype.
Main Methods:
- Initial design conceptualization of a new cervical fixation device.
- Iterative design and development process focused on addressing identified problems.
- Engineering and manufacturing considerations for prototype creation.
Main Results:
- The paper presents the foundational design of an improved cervical fixation device.
- The design aims to mitigate screw loosening and improve surgical field visualization.
- Development efforts have progressed towards the creation of a functional prototype.
Conclusions:
- A novel cervical fixation device design has been developed to enhance posterior cervical spine stabilization.
- The new design seeks to resolve critical issues associated with current instrumentation.
- Further development and testing are anticipated to validate the prototype's efficacy and safety.