Adaptive Spinal Rod with Ball Joint for Motion Preservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for degenerative spinal disorders, such as spinal fusion, face challenges including reduced range of motion, accelerated degenerative changes, complicated implantation procedures, lack of anatomical flexibility, tissue disruption, insecure anchor systems, poor durability, and limited revision options.

Innovation Solution

A spinal implant system with adaptive spinal stabilization components, including versatile rods and bone anchors, designed to dynamically stabilize the spine while preserving motion, accommodating diverse patient anatomy and facilitating minimally invasive implantation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If spinal fusion is performed to treat degenerative spinal disorders, then stability is improved, but range of motion is reduced and accelerated degenerative changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidrange of motion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a dynamic stabilization device that allows controlled motion between vertebral levels while maintaining stability. The device includes a rod with a ball joint mechanism that permits angular movement and rotation, enabling the spine to adapt to physiological loads without fusion. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by providing both stability and range of motion simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilization device is divided into modular components including a rod, ball joint, and vertebral anchors that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the device to be customized to fit different anatomical requirements and motion needs, resolving the contradiction between stability and motion preservation through tailored configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If current stabilization devices are used, then motion preservation is achieved, but implantation procedures become complicated and tissue disruption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal motionVSAvoidimplantation procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device components are designed to be pre-assembled and pre-configured in a controlled manner, with the rod and ball joint prepared in advance for insertion. This preliminary preparation simplifies the surgical procedure by reducing the number of steps required during implantation, thereby resolving the contradiction between motion preservation and procedural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If fixed spinal rods are used, then structural support is provided, but flexibility to conform to diverse patient anatomy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal supportVSAvoidanatomical flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rod incorporates a ball joint mechanism that enables dynamic adjustment of angular orientation and position. This dynamic capability allows the rod to adapt to diverse anatomical configurations and patient-specific requirements while maintaining structural support, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows for localized customization at different segments of the rod, with the ball joint providing flexibility in specific regions while maintaining rigidity in others. This local quality variation enables the rod to conform to diverse anatomical requirements while preserving overall structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If traditional anchor systems are used, then initial fixation is achieved, but long-term durability and security are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchor securityVSAvoidimplant durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor system utilizes composite construction combining materials with different properties to achieve both initial fixation and long-term durability. The vertebral anchors incorporate features that provide secure initial placement while maintaining stable long-term performance, resolving the contradiction between initial security and long-term durability through material composition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS8518085B2Adaptive spinal rod and methods for stabilization of the spine

Publication Date: 2013.08.27 FOUNDERS SPINE RES LLC

AI summary

An adaptive spinal rod is provided for connecting levels of an adaptive stabilization system to support the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. Embodiments of the adaptive stabilization rod include a ball having an anchor system, a deflection system, a vertical rod system and a connection system. The deflection system provides adaptive stabilization and load-sharing. The adaptive spinal rod connects different levels of the construct in a multilevel construct. The adaptive spinal rod cooperates with the deflection system to further reduce stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy.