Spinal cord protection plate

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of medical devices, and discloses a spinal cord protection plate, which is used for protecting a vertebral body and comprises a plate body, a through hole and a through hole. The plate body is in an arc-shaped structure and has a horizontal surface and an arc surface, the horizontal surface and the arc surface are arranged on two sides of the plate body respectively, the horizontal surface is used for being adjacent to a spinal cord, and the arc surface is used for adapting to the structure of the vertebral body. The through hole is arranged through the horizontal surface and the arc surface and is used for passing a pedicle screw, so that the spinal cord protection plate and the vertebral body are connected. The spinal cord is protected by placing the spinal cord protection plate behind the vertebral body, a physical barrier is provided for the spinal cord, a radiotherapist can use a higher radiation dose to irradiate a tumor, the radiotherapy rays are effectively blocked from directly irradiating the spinal cord, the radiation dose to the spinal cord is reduced, the spinal cord is protected from radioactive damage, the incidence of complications such as radioactive myelopathy is reduced, and therefore cancer cells can be more effectively killed, and the treatment effect of a spinal metastasis tumor is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a spinal cord protection plate. Background Technology

[0002] Spinal metastases are secondary tumors that spread to the spine from malignant tumors via the bloodstream or lymphatic system. They are commonly found in breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, and thyroid cancer. Their incidence is increasing annually, with approximately 30% to 70% of patients with malignant tumors developing spinal metastases. Treatment requires comprehensive consideration of the primary tumor type, extent of metastasis, spinal stability, neurological function, and the patient's overall condition. The goals are to alleviate symptoms, control tumor progression, maintain spinal stability, and improve quality of life. With the continuous development of surgical techniques, imaging techniques, biopsy techniques, and radiotherapy techniques for spinal tumors, significant progress has been made in the treatment of spinal metastases through a multidisciplinary collaborative approach.

[0003] The surgical separation of spinal metastases involves surgically removing the portion of the tumor compressing the spinal cord, decompressing the spinal cord and nerve roots, and creating a 5-8 mm safe radiotherapy space between the tumor and the spinal nerves. Post-operatively, without affecting the nerves, high-dose, precise radiotherapy is administered to the remaining tumor to reduce local recurrence. However, a contradictory situation often arises in clinical practice when radiotherapy is used to treat remaining vertebral tumors. Sufficient radiation doses can effectively kill the tumor but can cause radiation myelopathy; reducing the radiation dose, on the other hand, may not adequately kill the tumor. Furthermore, vertebral tumors treated with surgery and radiotherapy may recur later in the course of treatment.

[0004] Therefore, based on the above situation, there is an urgent need in clinical practice for a shield that can protect the spinal cord and block tumor invasion, thereby protecting the spinal cord during radiotherapy and local tumor recurrence. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide a shield that can protect the spinal cord and block tumor invasion, thereby protecting the spinal cord during radiotherapy and local tumor recurrence.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a spinal cord protection plate for protecting the vertebral body, comprising:

[0007] The plate has an arc-shaped structure, with a horizontal surface and an arc-shaped surface. The horizontal surface and the arc-shaped surface are respectively disposed on both sides of the plate. The horizontal surface is used to be adjacent to the spinal cord, and the arc-shaped surface is used to adapt to the structure of the vertebral body.

[0008] A through hole is provided, penetrating the horizontal plane and the arc-shaped plane, for the pedicle screw to pass through, so as to connect the spinal cord protection plate and the vertebral body.

[0009] Preferably, the spinal cord protection plate is made of pure titanium or titanium alloy.

[0010] Preferably, the plate is further provided with channels, which are respectively located on both sides of the through hole along the height direction of the spinal cord protection plate. The channels are used for connecting rods that connect adjacent pedicle screws to pass through.

[0011] Preferably, the channel and the through hole are connected.

[0012] Preferably, the diameter of the through hole is in the range of 4.5-6 mm.

[0013] Preferably, the height of the plate is between 2.5 and 6 cm.

[0014] Preferably, the width of the plate is between 3 and 4.5 cm.

[0015] Preferably, the thickness of the plate is in the range of 2-7 mm.

[0016] Preferably, the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped surface is 5-15 mm.

[0017] Preferably, the surface of the plate is provided with an anti-slip texture.

[0018] Based on the above technical solution, the spinal cord protection plate described in this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] Placing a spinal cord protector behind the vertebral body provides a physical barrier to the spinal cord, allowing radiation oncologists to deliver higher radiation doses to the tumor. This effectively blocks direct radiation from reaching the spinal cord, reducing the radiation dose and protecting it from radiation damage. This lowers the incidence of complications such as radiation-induced myelopathy, thus enabling more effective killing of cancer cells and improving the treatment outcome of spinal metastases. Furthermore, by creating through-holes, pedicle screws can stably fix the spinal cord protector to the vertebral body, enhancing spinal stability and facilitating postoperative recovery. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a front view of the spinal cord protection plate provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the spinal cord protection plate provided in the embodiments of this application from a first-view perspective.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the spinal cord protection plate provided in the embodiments of this application from a second perspective.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a top view of the spinal cord protection plate provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a side view of the spinal cord protection plate provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the spinal cord protection plate provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the spinal cord protection plate provided in the embodiments of this application applied to different segments of the spine.

[0028] The attached figures are labeled as follows: spinal cord protection plate 100, plate body 11, through hole 12, channel 13, horizontal plane 14, arc-shaped plane 15; the thickness direction of the plate body is X, the width direction of the plate body is Y, and the height direction of the plate body is Z. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] The term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of this application. In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0031] like Figures 1-7 As shown, this application discloses a spinal cord protection plate 100, which is used for the protection of the vertebral body.

[0032] The spinal cord protection plate 100 includes: a plate body 11, which has an arc-shaped structure, and has a horizontal surface 14 and an arc-shaped surface 15. The horizontal surface 14 and the arc-shaped surface 15 are respectively disposed on both sides of the plate body 11. The horizontal surface 14 is used to be adjacent to the spinal cord, and the arc-shaped surface 15 is used to adapt to the structure of the vertebral body.

[0033] A through hole 12 is provided, penetrating the horizontal surface 14 and the arc-shaped surface 15, for the pedicle screw to pass through, so as to connect the spinal cord protection plate 100 and the vertebral body.

[0034] As described above, the spinal cord is a crucial component of the central nervous system and is highly sensitive to radiation damage. High-dose radiotherapy can cause radiation-induced myelopathy, leading to serious complications such as paraplegia, sensory disturbances, and urinary and fecal incontinence. The spinal cord protection plate 100 can act as a "barrier" for radiotherapy, concentrating radiation on the tumor tissue and reducing the radiation dose to the spinal cord, thereby improving the precision and safety of radiotherapy. Furthermore, after surgical removal of the tumor, tiny residual tumor cells may still exist in the vertebral body. Radiotherapy can target these residual tumor tissues, further killing cancer cells and reducing the possibility of recurrence. The spinal cord protection plate 100 can also physically isolate these residual tumor cells, preventing them from invading the spinal cord and reducing the risk of spinal cord invasion after tumor recurrence.

[0035] Therefore, by placing a spinal cord protection plate 100 behind the vertebral body to protect the spinal cord, a physical barrier can be provided, allowing radiation oncologists to use higher radiation doses to irradiate the tumor. This effectively blocks radiation rays from directly irradiating the spinal cord, reducing the radiation dose to the spinal cord and thus protecting it from radiation damage. This lowers the incidence of complications such as radiation-induced myelopathy, allowing for more effective killing of cancer cells and improving the treatment outcome of spinal metastases. Furthermore, by providing through-holes 12, pedicle screws can stably fix the spinal cord protection plate 100 to the vertebral body, enhancing spinal stability and facilitating postoperative recovery for patients.

[0036] Radiotherapy, as mentioned above, refers to a treatment method that uses high-energy radiation, such as X-rays, gamma rays, or proton beams, to kill or damage cancer cells. Radiation can destroy the DNA of cancer cells, rendering them unable to reproduce, thereby killing them. In the treatment of spinal metastases, radiotherapy combined with surgery can improve treatment efficacy and reduce the risk of local tumor recurrence.

[0037] As a preferred embodiment, the spinal cord protection plate 100 is made of pure titanium or titanium alloy. Using pure titanium ensures good biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, strength, and stability after implantation, which is beneficial for protecting the spinal cord, improving the treatment effect of spinal metastases, and reducing the incidence of postoperative complications. Using titanium alloy provides good biocompatibility, avoids rejection reactions in surrounding tissues, and has sufficient strength and corrosion resistance to ensure safety for long-term use.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the minimum distance between the edge of the through hole 12 and the edge of the plate 11 is 3mm.

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, the plate 11 is also provided with a channel 13. Along the height direction of the spinal cord protection plate 100, the channel 13 is respectively provided on both sides of the through hole 12. The channel 13 is used for the connecting rods connecting adjacent pedicle screws to pass through.

[0040] It is understood that the connecting rod is used to connect multiple screws implanted in different pedicles, as can be found in the prior art, and will not be elaborated here.

[0041] Connecting adjacent pedicle screws with connecting rods creates a stable support structure, enhancing spinal stability, preventing vertebral displacement or dislocation, and facilitating postoperative recovery, especially when spinal stability is compromised after tumor resection. Furthermore, connecting rods distribute stress across multiple pedicle screws, reducing the load on individual screws, minimizing the risk of loosening or breakage, and improving the long-term stability of the internal fixation system. Additionally, to a certain extent, adjusting the connecting rods can achieve spinal correction and restore the spine's physiological curvature.

[0042] Therefore, the design of the connecting rod enables the fixation of multiple vertebral segments, such as fixation across multiple vertebral bodies. This is especially important for patients with spinal metastases that have accumulated in multiple vertebral bodies, as it can provide broader stability and support.

[0043] Furthermore, the channel 13 and the through hole 12 are connected. The channel 13 and the through hole 12 are connected to form a continuous channel 13, which can guide the connecting rod to pass through smoothly, facilitate surgical operation, ensure that the connecting rod can be accurately connected to the adjacent pedicle screw, and the design of the channel 13 also makes the connecting rod more stable during passage, avoiding the connecting rod from shifting or twisting during installation, and ensuring the firmness and reliability of the connection.

[0044] Given the individual differences in shape and size among the upper thoracic, lower thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae, this invention meticulously considered every dimension of the spinal cord protection plate 100 during its design. For different vertebral regions, parameters such as the width, height, thickness, curvature, and diameter of the through holes 12 of the protection plate were adjusted accordingly. For example, the upper thoracic region may require a narrower protection plate with a smaller curvature, while the lumbar region may require a wider design with a larger curvature. This differentiated design ensures that the protection plate can precisely match each vertebra, thereby providing reliable barrier protection for the spinal cord.

[0045] Therefore, in this application, as a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the diameter of the through hole 12 is between 4.5-6mm, the height of the plate 11 is between 2.5-6cm, the width of the plate 11 is between 3-4.5cm, and the radius of curvature of the arc surface 15 is 5-15mm.

[0046] Specifically, when the spinal cord protection plate 100 is applied to the upper thoracic spine, the recommended spacing between its through holes 12 is 4.5 mm, its width is 3 cm, its height is 2.5 cm, and the radius of curvature of its arc-shaped surface 15 is 5 mm; when the spinal cord protection plate 100 is applied to the lower thoracic spine, the recommended spacing between its through holes 12 is 5 mm, its width is 4 cm, its height is 3 cm, and the radius of curvature of its arc-shaped surface 15 is 10 mm; when the spinal cord protection plate 100 is applied to the lumbar spine, the recommended spacing between its through holes 12 is 6 mm, its width is 4.5 cm, its height is 5 cm, and the radius of curvature of its arc-shaped surface 15 is 15 mm.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the plate 11 is between 2 and 7 mm. Specifically, the two ends of the horizontal surface 14 and the two ends of the arcuate surface 15 are aligned, so that the minimum distance between the horizontal surface 14 and the arcuate surface 15 is 2 mm, and the maximum distance between the horizontal surface 14 and the arcuate surface 15 is between 5 and 7 mm, depending on the location of the spinal cord protection plate 100 on the spine.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the plate 11 is provided with an anti-slip texture. The anti-slip texture increases the friction between the spinal cord protection plate 100 and the vertebral body surface, effectively preventing displacement or detachment of the spinal cord protection plate 100, ensuring its long-term stable fixation to the vertebral body, improving overall stability, and continuously protecting the spinal cord. Because displacement of the spinal cord protection plate 100 may irritate or damage the surrounding spinal cord, nerve roots, or other tissues, the anti-slip texture reduces this risk and protects surrounding tissues from unnecessary damage.

[0049] The specific method for treating spinal metastases using the aforementioned spinal cord protection plate 100 is as follows:

[0050] The patient underwent spinal metastasis separation surgery to remove the tumor tissue compressing the spinal cord, creating a 5-8mm safe space for radiotherapy between the tumor and the spinal nerves.

[0051] The spinal cord protection plate 100 is placed behind the vertebral body, with the horizontal plane 14 adjacent to the spinal cord and the arcuate plane 15 conforming to the vertebral body structure. Then, pedicle screws are passed through the through-hole 12, and the spinal cord protection plate 100 is fixed to the vertebral body. In this way, the spinal cord protection plate 100 can protect the spinal cord from radiation damage and prevent tumor recurrence from invading the spinal cord.

[0052] For vertebral metastases, the radiation dose is adjusted according to the tumor condition.

[0053] The foregoing description has fully disclosed the specific embodiments of this application. It should be noted that any modifications made by those skilled in the art to the specific embodiments of this application do not depart from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the scope of the claims of this application is not limited to the foregoing specific embodiments.

Claims

1. A spinal cord protection plate, characterized in that, The spinal cord protection plate is used for the protection of the vertebral bodies and includes: The plate has an arc-shaped structure, with a horizontal surface and an arc-shaped surface. The horizontal surface and the arc-shaped surface are respectively disposed on both sides of the plate. The horizontal surface is used to be adjacent to the spinal cord, and the arc-shaped surface is used to adapt to the structure of the vertebral body. A through hole is provided, penetrating the horizontal plane and the arc-shaped plane, for the pedicle screw to pass through, so as to connect the spinal cord protection plate and the vertebral body.

2. The spinal cord protection plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spinal cord protection plate is made of pure titanium or titanium alloy.

3. The spinal cord protection plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plate is also provided with channels. Along the height direction of the spinal cord protection plate, the channels are respectively located on both sides of the through hole. The channels are used for connecting rods that connect adjacent pedicle screws to pass through.

4. The spinal cord protection plate according to claim 3, characterized in that, The channel and the through hole are connected.

5. The spinal cord protection plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the through hole is in the range of 4.5-6 mm.

6. The spinal cord protection plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the plate is between 2.5 and 6 cm.

7. The spinal cord protection plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the plate is between 3 and 4.5 cm.

8. The spinal cord protection plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the plate is between 2 and 7 mm.

9. The spinal cord protection plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radius of curvature of the arc-shaped surface is 5-15 mm.

10. The spinal cord protection plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the plate is provided with anti-slip texture.

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