Adjustable Length Implant Rack and Pinion Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical implants for scoliosis correction require large incisions and invasive procedures for length adjustments, leading to patient discomfort, infection risks, and the need for extended intervals between adjustments due to the complexity of traditional ratcheting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable surgical implant with a rack and pinion mechanism allows for incremental length adjustments through minimally invasive procedures, using a small incision to access the adjustment mechanism, enabling frequent adjustments without extensive surgery, and accommodating spinal growth in pediatric patients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional ratcheting mechanism is used for implant adjustment, then the implant can be adjusted, but large incisions and invasive procedures are required leading to patient discomfort and infection risks
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into modular components that can be accessed through smaller incisions. The rod assembly is divided into adjustable segments with external adjustment mechanisms that allow incremental changes without requiring access to the entire implant structure through a large incision.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary adjustment mechanism is introduced between the implant and the surgeon's tools. This intermediary system allows for minimally invasive adjustment by providing access points and adjustment interfaces that can be reached through smaller incisions, eliminating the need for direct manipulation through large openings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent adjustments are made to accommodate spinal growth, then the correction can be maintained, but the complexity and trauma of repeated invasive surgeries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the rod length to be modified as the patient grows. The adjustable mechanism enables the implant to adapt to changing spinal dimensions over time, transitioning from a static to a dynamic system that can respond to growth without requiring complete surgical replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is pre-configured with growth accommodation features during the initial implantation. This preliminary design includes expandable or adjustable components that are ready to be modified as the patient grows, eliminating the need for complex reoperations and allowing for simpler, more frequent adjustments.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the adjustment mechanism is made accessible through small incisions, then patient trauma is reduced, but the mechanism must be more compact and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is nested within the implant structure itself, with components packed efficiently to fit within a compact footprint. This nesting allows the complex adjustment system to be housed within the minimal space accessible through small incisions, reducing the overall size required for the mechanism while maintaining full adjustability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces patient trauma and infection risks by enabling frequent, minimally invasive adjustments of the implant, improving the likelihood of timely corrections and accommodating spinal growth without the need for repeated invasive surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustable surgical implant with a rack and pinion mechanism allows for incremental length adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing an adjustable length surgical implant is provided, wherein the surgical implant is readily adjustable by a surgeon using a surgical tool sized for use with the surgical implant. Adjustment of the surgical implant further requires a small incision through the skin prior to the adjustment of the length of the implant, such that the potential for infection is greatly reduces and the associated trauma of surgery is lessened for the patient.