Adaptive Modular Screw Head Assemblies for Personalized Spinal Fixation

Publication ID: 24-11857222_0005_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Modular Screw Head Assemblies for Personalized Spinal Fixation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857222_0005_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857222_0005_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,222.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A next-generation modular screw head assembly that dynamically adjusts to spinal rod movement, providing optimal fixation and minimizing patient risk through advanced sensors, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Background and Problem Solved

The original modular screw head assemblies have limitations in terms of adaptability and precision, often requiring manual adjustments and compromising on fixation stability. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating advanced technologies to create a self-adjusting, adaptive, and personalized spinal fixation system.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new modular screw head assembly comprises a self-adjusting tulip element with adaptive geometry, which dynamically changes shape in response to spinal rod movement to maintain optimal fixation. The tulip element is equipped with built-in sensors that detect rod movement and adjust the geometry accordingly. A smart locking cap responds to real-time sensor data to lock the spinal rod in place. The system can be trained on a patient's specific spinal anatomy to provide customized fixation using machine learning algorithms. The assembly can also autonomously adjust tulip geometry and locking cap torque in real-time to ensure optimal spinal fixation and minimize patient risk.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in modular screw head assemblies by integrating advanced sensors, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to create a self-adjusting, adaptive, and personalized spinal fixation system. This inventive concept goes beyond the original patent by providing a more ambitious and forward-thinking solution that addresses the limitations of manual adjustments and compromises on fixation stability.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in sensor types, machine learning algorithms, and artificial intelligence implementations. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other orthopedic fixation applications beyond spinal surgery.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adaptive modular screw head assembly has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic fixation market, particularly in spinal surgery. The system's ability to provide personalized fixation and minimize patient risk could lead to increased adoption and market share. The technology could also be licensed to other medical device companies, expanding its reach and impact.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A61	A61B17/7032
A	A61	A61B17/7037
A	A61	A61B17/7082
A	A61	A61B2017/681

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Orthopedic surgical devices, specifically spinal fixation systems involving modular screw head assemblies with mechanical and structural components for bone fastening

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic device designer with expertise in mechanical design, materials science, and surgical instrumentation, familiar with modular medical device architectures and biomechanical adaptation strategies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating sensor technologies and adaptive geometries into existing modular screw head designs represents a predictable technological evolution driven by emerging medical sensing and machine learning capabilities. The fundamental mechanical structure of the source patent provides a clear foundation for introducing intelligent, responsive elements that enhance fixation precision and patient outcomes. The proposed variations represent incremental improvements using known technological approaches within the established design framework.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Tulip head with two arms defining a rod slot and bore for receiving a saddle

PTD Variation

Adding embedded sensors to dynamically detect and respond to rod movement within the existing tulip head geometry

Obviousness Reasoning

Integrating sensors into mechanical structures is a well-established design approach, and a PHOSITA would find it obvious to augment existing mechanical components with sensing capabilities to improve functional performance

Source Patent Element

Shear clip mechanism with multiple state transformations

PTD Variation

Implementing machine learning algorithms to predict and autonomously adjust clip behavior based on real-time mechanical feedback

Obviousness Reasoning

Applying computational intelligence to mechanical systems is a predictable technological progression, especially in medical device design where precision and adaptability are critical

Source Patent Element

Modular assembly with interchangeable components

PTD Variation

Developing a smart locking cap that responds to sensor data and adjusts torque dynamically

Obviousness Reasoning

Enhancing locking mechanisms with intelligent control represents an obvious extension of existing modular design principles, utilizing known control system integration techniques

Source Patent Element

Orthopedic fixation assembly focused on spinal rod stabilization

PTD Variation

Creating a patient-specific training model for tulip geometry optimization using machine learning

Obviousness Reasoning

Personalization through computational modeling is a standard approach in medical device design, representing a logical and predictable technological advancement

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857222's disclosure of modular screw head assemblies, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the integration of sensor technologies, machine learning, and adaptive geometries into orthopedic fixation systems an obvious technological progression. The proposed variations represent predictable combinations of known techniques within the established mechanical and computational design domain, thereby rendering potential derivative claims obvious and non-patentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,222
Title	Modular screw head assemblies
Assignee(s)	Globus Medical, Inc.