A non-fusion lumbar motion system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a non-fusion lumbar motion system, comprising: two saddle-shaped upper support blocks and lower support blocks symmetrically arranged up and down; an elastic cushion block disposed between the upper support block and the lower support block; a balloon, the balloon being sleeved around the elastic cushion block, with the upper end fixedly connected to the upper support block and the lower end fixedly connected to the lower support block; an interspinous ligament, including an upper interspinous ligament extending upward from the upper support block, the upper interspinous ligament having a pair of curved sheet-like ligament pieces, and a spinous process fixing clip is provided at the top of the ligament piece; and a lower interspinous ligament extending downward from the lower support block and symmetrically arranged with the upper interspinous ligament; an elastic ligament, the elastic ligament being disposed between the upper support block and the lower support block. The present disclosure adopts a joint-like structure plus a balloon structure, enabling the posterior columns of the upper and lower vertebral bodies to achieve a certain bending and torsional movement and having the ability to buffer loads.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of medical devices, and particularly relates to a non-fusion lumbar motion system. Background Art

[0002] Spinal stenosis is a disease caused by shortening of the diameters of the spinal canal for various reasons, compressing the dura mater, spinal cord or nerve roots, resulting in a series of neurological dysfunctions such as pain, numbness, limb weakness, limping, and urinary and fecal disorders.

[0003] When treating spinal stenosis, the spinous process and lamina are sometimes resected. This not only destroys the posterior structure of the spine and causes it to lose the posterior column bearing capacity, but also, due to the resection of the interspinous ligament and ligamentum flavum at the diseased segment, the ligamentum flavum of the adjacent segment loses tension, making it easy for the ligamentum flavum to hypertrophy and cause spinal stenosis in the adjacent segment.

[0004] In the prior art, artificial vertebral bodies, that is, non-fusion lumbar motion systems, are used to replace some functions of the native vertebral body. However, the artificial vertebral bodies in the prior art cannot well simulate the shock absorption and ligament functions of the native vertebral body. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure is precisely proposed based on the above-mentioned needs of the prior art. The technical problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a non-fusion lumbar motion system for use as an articular prosthesis after spinal stenosis surgery to replace the posterior structure of the spine and prevent the ligamentum flavum of the adjacent segment from losing tension.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the technical solution provided by the present disclosure includes:

[0007] A non-fusion lumbar motion system, characterized by comprising: two saddle-shaped upper support blocks and lower support blocks symmetrically arranged up and down; the left and right sides of the upper surface of the upper support block bulge while the middle part is concave; the left and right sides of the lower surface of the lower support block bulge while the middle part is concave; an elastic cushion block disposed between the upper support block and the lower support block; a balloon, the balloon is sleeved around the elastic cushion block, the upper end is fixedly connected to the upper support block, and the lower end is fixedly connected to the lower support block; an interspinous ligament, including an upper interspinous ligament extending upward from the upper support block, the upper interspinous ligament having a pair of curved sheet-like ligament pieces, and a spinous process fixing clip is provided at the top of the ligament pieces; and a lower interspinous ligament extending downward from the lower support block, the lower interspinous ligament having a pair of curved sheet-like ligament pieces, and a spinous process fixing clip is provided at the bottom of the ligament pieces; an elastic ligament, the elastic ligament is disposed between the upper support block and the lower support block, and both ends of the elastic ligament are fixedly connected to the upper support block and the lower support block respectively.

[0008] Preferably, a first groove with a downward opening is provided at the bottom of the upper support block, and the overall shape of the upper end of the elastic cushion block matches that of the first groove and is arranged in the first groove; a second groove with an upward opening is provided at the top of the lower support block, and the overall shape of the bottom end of the elastic cushion block matches that of the second groove and is arranged in the second groove.

[0009] Preferably, the lower part of the elastic cushion block has a larger size than the upper part to provide better supporting force.

[0010] Preferably, a first connection groove is formed at a first position on the outer surface of the elastic cushion block, and the first connection groove extends along the up and down direction; a first connection tooth adapted to the shape of the first connection groove is fixedly provided on the upper support block, and the first connection tooth extends downward from the lower surface of the upper support block and is implanted into the first connection groove; a second connection groove is formed at a second position on the outer surface of the elastic cushion block, and the second connection groove extends along the up and down direction. A second connection tooth adapted to the shape of the second connection groove is fixedly provided on the lower support block; the second connection tooth extends upward from the upper surface of the lower support block and is implanted into the second connection groove.

[0011] Preferably, the lower end of the first connection tooth extends all the way into the second groove, and the upper end of the second connection tooth extends all the way into the first groove to prevent dislocation between the first connection tooth, the second connection tooth and the elastic cushion block.

[0012] Preferably, the overall outer surface of the balloon forms a spherical shape, and a hole is provided in the middle; the elastic cushion block passes through the hole; an airbag is provided in the annular area of the annular balloon; the upper edge of the airbag is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the upper support block, and the lower edge of the airbag is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the lower support block.

[0013] Preferably, fixing teeth are provided on the opposite surfaces of a pair of the spinous process fixing clips.

[0014] Preferably, the elastic ligament includes a first elastic ligament and a second elastic ligament arranged front and back, and both elastic ligaments are respectively connected to the first support block and the second support block.

[0015] Preferably, the elastic ligament passes through the hole of the balloon.

[0016] Preferably, transverse through holes are provided at the top and bottom of the elastic ligament, and the two through holes cooperate with two fixed columns arranged horizontally left and right in the upper support block and the lower support block for the fixed columns to pass through; stoppers are provided on the fixed columns, and the stoppers face the outside of the upper support block or the lower support block and are fixedly provided with the upper support block or the lower support block by screws.

[0017] Through the above solution, the present disclosure adopts a joint-like structure plus a balloon structure, enabling the posterior columns of the upper and lower vertebral bodies to achieve a certain degree of bending and torsional movement and having the ability to buffer loads. The upper lamina and the lower lamina are cooperated through a joint structure, and a silicone grease-like elastic material is lined between the two joint surfaces. In addition, a balloon and an artificial ligament structure are added externally to make the overall structure more in line with the physiological requirements of the spine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present specification or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments recorded in the embodiments of the present specification, and for those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the human lumbar spine;

[0020] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of a non-fusion lumbar motion system in the specific embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 It is an exploded structural diagram of a non-fusion lumbar motion system in the specific embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4 It is an exploded view of the connection structure between the upper support block and the lower support block in the specific embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the assembled structure between the upper support block and the lower support block in the specific embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of the interspinous ligament in the specific embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of the connection structure of the elastic ligament in the specific embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0027] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the term "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. It can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. It can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0028] Throughout the description, the terms "top", "bottom", "above", "below", and "on" are relative positions with respect to the components of the device, such as the relative positions of the top and bottom substrates inside the device. It can be understood that the device is multifunctional and independent of its orientation in space.

[0029] To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following will further explain with specific examples in conjunction with the drawings. The examples do not constitute a limitation to the embodiments of the present application.

[0030] This specific embodiment relates to a non-fusion lumbar motion system. The structure of the lumbar spine is as Figure 1 shown, including vertebral bodies and the spinal canal between the vertebral bodies. The non-fusion lumbar motion system is used in the treatment of spinal stenosis. After the spinous process and lamina are resected, the non-fusion lumbar motion system in this specific embodiment is implanted at the position of the resected vertebral body, so as to prevent the yellow ligament from losing tension and causing lesions in adjacent segments.

[0031] The non-fusion lumbar motion system in this specific embodiment has two saddle-shaped upper support blocks 1 and lower support blocks 2 arranged up and down.

[0032] Both the upper support block and the lower support block are formed in a saddle shape. The left and right sides of the upper surface of the upper support block bulge while the middle part is concave to form a saddle shape. The saddle-shaped upper support block can be adapted to the lower surface structure of the spine that fits this motion system. The concave part can support the lower protrusion in the middle of the upper vertebral body, and the protruding parts on both sides are also adapted to the shapes on both sides of the upper vertebral body segment, so that a good cooperation effect can be produced with the original vertebral body.

[0033] The lower support block and the upper support block are symmetrically arranged up and down. The lower support block is also formed in a saddle shape, with a concave part provided in the middle of its lower surface, and protruding parts are also provided on the left and right sides of the lower support block. The function of the shape of the lower support block is similar to that of the saddle shape of the upper support block. The above-mentioned saddle shape of the lower support block can fit the upper surface shape of the next original vertebral body to form a good cooperation effect.

[0034] The surfaces of the upper support block and the lower support block facing each other are preferably arranged as flat surfaces to facilitate the arrangement of corresponding structures between the upper support block and the lower support block.

[0035] In this specific embodiment, as Figure 2 , Figure 3 shown, connecting rods 3 are provided on the left and right sides of the upper support block 1 and / or the lower support block 2, and pedicle screws 4 are connected to the connecting rods to fixedly connect the upper support block 1 and / or the lower support block 2 to the spine.

[0036] There is an elastic cushion block 5 at the middle position between the upper support block 1 and the lower support block 2. The elastic cushion block connects the upper support block and the lower support block, enabling there to be a certain elasticity between the upper support block and the lower support block, allowing for a certain range of movement between the upper support block and the lower support block while damping, especially simulating the axial and radial rotation of the native spinal joint. The elastic cushion block can be made of a silicone grease-like elastic material to provide the necessary elasticity, reliability, and mechanical strength.

[0037] In this specific embodiment, the elastic cushion block can preferably be connected to the upper support block and the lower support block in the following manner to provide a stable, reliable, and properly shaped connection. As Figure 4 , Figure 5 shown, in the preferred technical solution of this specific embodiment, a first groove is provided at the bottom of the upper support block. The groove is in the shape of a cylinder or a cone, and the opening of the groove is downward. The overall shape of the upper end of the elastic cushion block matches the groove and is arranged in the groove. A second groove is provided at the top of the lower support block. The second groove opens upward, and the overall shape of the bottom end of the elastic cushion block matches the second groove and is arranged in the second groove.

[0038] Preferably, the lower part of the elastic cushion block has a larger size than the upper part to provide better support force. The elastic cushion block can be in abutting connection with the upper support block and the lower support block without being damaged due to stress concentration caused by installation.

[0039] A first connection groove is formed at a first position on the outer surface of the elastic cushion block. The first connection groove extends in the up-down direction. Adapted to the shape of the first connection groove, a first connection tooth 6 is formed on the upper support block. The first connection tooth extends downward from the lower surface of the upper support block and is implanted into the first connection groove. A second connection groove is formed at a second position on the outer surface of the elastic cushion block. The second connection groove extends in the up-down direction. Adapted to the shape of the second connection groove, a second connection tooth 7 is formed on the lower support block. The second connection tooth extends upward from the upper surface of the lower support block and is implanted into the second connection groove. In this way, a connection structure with stable connection but good shape retention can be formed.

[0040] Further preferably, the lower end of the first connection tooth extends all the way into the second groove, and the upper end of the second connection tooth extends all the way into the first groove. To prevent dislocation between the first connection tooth, the second connection tooth and the elastic cushion block.

[0041] In this specific embodiment, an annular balloon 8 is provided between the upper support block and the lower support block. The overall outer surface of the balloon is spherical, and a hole is provided in the middle. The elastic cushion block passes through the hole. An airbag 9 is provided in the annular area of the annular balloon. The airbag is preferably provided in the entire annular area of the balloon. The upper edge of the airbag is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the upper support block, and the lower edge of the airbag is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the lower support block. In this way, the balloon is sleeved outside the elastic block, and the upper support block and the upper support block are connected together through the structure of the elastic block and the balloon. Through the above structure, an artificial joint structure plus a balloon structure is adopted, so that the posterior columns of the upper and lower vertebral bodies can achieve a certain bending and torsional movement and have the ability to buffer loads. The upper lamina and the lower lamina are matched through a joint structure, and a silicone grease-like elastic material is lined between the two joint surfaces. And an additional balloon and artificial ligament structure are provided outside to make the overall structure more in line with the physiological needs of the spine.

[0042] Furthermore, the balloon installed between the upper support and the lower support needs to bear the force of the spine. It needs to be stably fixed on the upper support and the lower support and also be able to withstand sufficient force. In this specific embodiment, to meet the above requirements, connection structures are provided at both the upper edge and the lower edge of the balloon. Taking the upper part of the balloon as an example, the connection part includes an upper extension extending upward from the balloon and a side extension extending outward from the end of the upper extension to form an outer extension. An inner connection groove is provided on the outer edge of the lower part of the upper support. The inner side of the connection groove is open, and a baffle is provided on the outer side. In this way, the upper extension of the connection part extends into the connection groove from the inner opening, and the outer extension is received in the connection groove on the baffle. In this way, it is very difficult for the connection part to break out of the connection groove. The connection groove is preferably formed as a ring on the upper support. In this way, when the upper support and the lower support rotate relative to each other, stress concentration can be avoided, and the balloon can be prevented from being damaged.

[0043] Symmetric to the upper edge of the balloon, a connection structure is also provided at the lower edge of the balloon. The connection part includes a lower extension extending downward from the balloon and a side extension extending outward from the end of the lower extension to form an outer extension. An inner connection groove is provided on the outer edge of the upper part of the lower support. The inner side of the connection groove is open, and a baffle is provided on the outer side. In this way, the lower extension of the connection part extends into the connection groove from the inner opening, and the outer extension is received in the connection groove under the baffle. In this way, it is very difficult for the connection part to break out of the connection groove. The connection groove is preferably formed as a ring on the lower support. Its function is the same as that of the connection structure provided on the upper support.

[0044] The above structure simulates the relative movement between vertebral joints, but the simulation of ligament function is another important factor in preventing the ligamentum flavum of adjacent segments from losing tension.

[0045] For this reason, in this specific embodiment, the non-fusion lumbar motion system includes an interspinous ligament 10 and an elastic ligament 11. The interspinous ligament includes an upper interspinous ligament and a lower interspinous ligament. The upper interspinous ligament is provided between the upper support and the upper vertebra connected thereto, and the lower interspinous ligament is provided between the lower support and the lower vertebra connected thereto. The elastic ligament is provided between the upper support and the lower support. These ligament structures simulate different ligament functions respectively.

[0046] In this specific embodiment, the structure of the upper interspinous ligament is as Figure 3 、 Figure 6As shown, the superior interspinous ligament includes a pair of ligament sheets 12 arranged at intervals left and right. The ligament sheets are elastic sheet materials made of metal. The pair of ligament sheets extend upward from the upper support block on the left and right sides of the upper support block. The lower end of the ligament sheet is fixedly connected to the upper support block by an interspinous ligament fixing screw. A spinous process fixing clip 13 is respectively arranged at the top of the pair of ligament sheets. The spinous process fixing clips are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and are connected by a spinous process fixing clip fastening screw and a spinous process fixing clip fastening nut. The screw and the nut provide the locking force between the spinous process fixing clip and the spinal spinous process. Further preferably, fixing teeth are arranged on the opposite surfaces of the pair of spinous process fixing clips to provide a firm holding force.

[0047] In this specific embodiment, the structure of the inferior interspinous ligament is symmetric up and down with that of the superior interspinous ligament. The inferior interspinous ligament includes a pair of ligament sheets arranged at intervals left and right. The ligament sheets are bent sheet materials made of metal to form elasticity similar to that of a ligament. The pair of ligament sheets extend downward from the lower support block on the left and right sides of the lower support block. The upper end of the ligament sheet is fixedly connected to the lower support block by an interspinous ligament fixing screw. A spinous process fixing clip is respectively arranged at the bottom of the pair of ligament sheets. The spinous process fixing clips are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and are connected by a spinous process fixing clip fastening screw and a spinous process fixing clip fastening nut. The screw and the nut provide the locking force between the spinous process fixing clip and the spinal spinous process. In this specific embodiment, fixing teeth are arranged on the opposite surfaces of the pair of spinous process fixing clips to provide a firm holding force.

[0048] The superior interspinous ligament simulates the function of the superior interspinous ligament in the human vertebral body, providing elasticity, holding force, and movement margin similar to those of the native interspinous ligament.

[0049] In this specific embodiment, it includes a pair of elastic ligaments arranged front and back. In this specific embodiment, the elastic ligaments are located between the upper support block and the lower support block, providing ligament simulation between the upper support block and the lower support block. In this specific embodiment, as Figure 7 shown, the elastic ligament is made of metal and is formed into a bent sheet structure to provide elastic force. Through holes 13 are arranged at the top and bottom of the elastic ligament. The upper and lower through holes are arranged horizontally for matching with the left and right horizontally arranged fixing columns on the upper support block and the lower support block, for the fixing columns 14 to pass through, so as to fix the elastic ligament between the upper support block and the lower support block. A stop block 15 is arranged on the fixing column. The stop block faces the outside of the upper support block or the lower support block and is fixedly arranged with the upper support block or the lower support block by a screw. The fixing column is arranged inside the support block to provide connection of the elastic ligament, which not only maintains the shape of the whole system but also facilitates connection and installation.

[0050] In this specific embodiment, a pair of the elastic ligaments are arranged in the space in the middle of the airbag to avoid being interfered by external objects.

[0051] The above specific embodiment further details the purpose, technical solution and beneficial effects of the present application. It should be understood that the above is only the specific embodiment of the present application and is not used to limit the protection scope of the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A non-fusion lumbar spine motion system, characterized in that, Comprising: Two saddle-shaped upper support blocks and lower support blocks which are symmetrically arranged up and down; the left and right sides of the upper surface of the upper support block bulge while the middle part is sunken; the left and right sides of the lower surface of the lower support block bulge while the middle part is sunken; Elastic cushion blocks, arranged between the upper support block and the lower support block; A balloon, the balloon is sleeved around the elastic cushion block, the upper end is fixedly connected with the upper support block, and the lower end is fixedly connected with the lower support block; the overall outer surface of the balloon forms a spherical shape, a hole is arranged in the middle, and the elastic cushion block passes through the hole; an airbag is arranged in the annular area of the balloon; the upper edge of the airbag is fixedly connected with the lower surface of the upper support block, and the lower edge of the airbag is fixedly connected with the upper surface of the lower support block; Interspinous ligament, including an upper interspinous ligament extending upward from the upper support block, the upper interspinous ligament has a pair of curved sheet-like ligament pieces, and a spinous process fixing clip is arranged at the top of the ligament piece; and a lower interspinous ligament extending downward from the lower support block, the lower interspinous ligament has a pair of curved sheet-like ligament pieces, and a spinous process fixing clip is arranged at the bottom of the ligament piece; Elastic ligaments, the elastic ligaments are arranged between the upper support block and the lower support block, and the two ends of the elastic ligaments are respectively fixedly connected with the upper support block and the lower support block; the elastic ligaments pass through the holes of the balloon.

2. The non-fusion lumbar motion system according to claim 1, wherein, A first groove with a downward opening is arranged at the bottom of the upper support block, and the overall shape of the upper end of the elastic cushion block matches the first groove and is arranged in the first groove; a second groove with an upward opening is arranged at the top of the lower support block, and the overall shape of the bottom end of the elastic cushion block matches the second groove and is arranged in the second groove.

3. The non-fusion lumbar motion system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower part of the elastic cushion block has a larger size than the upper part to provide better supporting force.

4. The non-fusion lumbar motion system according to claim 3, wherein, A first connecting groove is formed at a first position on the outer surface of the elastic cushion block, and the first connecting groove extends along the up and down direction; a first connecting tooth with a shape adapted to the first connecting groove is fixedly arranged on the upper support block, and the first connecting tooth extends downward from the lower surface of the upper support block and is implanted into the first connecting groove; A second connecting groove is formed at a second position on the outer surface of the elastic cushion block, and the second connecting groove extends along the up and down direction. A second connecting tooth with a shape adapted to the second connecting groove is fixedly arranged on the lower support block; the second connecting tooth extends upward from the upper surface of the lower support block and is implanted into the second connecting groove.

5. The non-fusion lumbar motion system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lower end of the first connecting tooth extends all the way into the second groove, and the upper end of the second connecting tooth extends all the way into the first groove to prevent dislocation between the first connecting tooth, the second connecting tooth and the elastic cushion block.

6. The non-fusion lumbar motion system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Fixed teeth are arranged on the opposite surfaces of a pair of the spinous process fixing clips.

7. A non-fusion lumbar motion system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic ligaments include a first elastic ligament and a second elastic ligament arranged front and back, and the two elastic ligaments are respectively connected with the upper support block and the lower support block.

8. The non-fusion lumbar motion system according to claim 1, wherein, The top and bottom of the elastic ligament are provided with transverse through holes, and the two through holes are matched with two fixed columns horizontally arranged on the left and right in the upper support block and the lower support block for the fixed columns to pass through; a stop block is arranged on the fixed column, and the stop block faces the outside of the upper support block or the lower support block and is fixedly arranged with the upper support block or the lower support block by screws.

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