Adjustable Interlaminar Spinal Stabilization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization systems fail to provide comprehensive stability to the spinal column, as they primarily focus on stabilizing adjacent vertebrae without addressing the instability in the remaining portions of the spinal column, and do not effectively manage 'transition syndrome' or enhance existing spinal hardware for improved stability and intervertebral distraction.
Innovation Solution
A spinal stabilization system comprising interlaminar members and support structures that can be adjusted and fixed to provide stability to adjacent vertebrae, extend stabilization to vertebrae above and below the insertion point, and include adjustable cross-linking members to accommodate individual anatomy, thereby enhancing overall spinal column stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If interlaminar spacers are inserted between adjacent vertebrae to stabilize two vertebrae, then local stabilization between the two vertebrae is achieved, but the remaining portions of the spinal column remain unstable and subject to damaging motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple interlaminar stabilization devices at adjacent spinal segments into a unified system. The devices are coupled together through articulating connections that allow controlled motion while maintaining stability across multiple vertebrae, transforming isolated local stabilization into comprehensive spinal column stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlaminar stabilization devices are designed with multi-functional capabilities: they provide local vertebral stabilization, couple with adjacent devices through articulating connections, and collectively stabilize the entire spinal column. The articulating connections themselves serve multiple functions by allowing physiological motion while preventing pathological instability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fusion techniques using bone grafts or synthetic implants are used to fuse vertebrae, then vertebral stability is achieved, but the procedure is irreversible and significantly alters vertebral range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic, adjustable interlaminar stabilization devices with articulating connections that permit controlled physiological motion between vertebrae. Unlike static fusion implants, these devices adapt to natural spinal movement patterns while providing stability, allowing the spine to maintain flexibility and range of motion during normal activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization devices incorporate adjustable parameters including intervertebral spacing, articulating connection angles, and device positioning. These adjustable parameters allow the system to adapt to individual patient anatomy and physiological requirements, optimizing both stability and range of motion without irreversible fusion.
3Reliability
If multiple devices configured in accordance with prior art are attached at adjacent segments, then coverage of multiple spinal levels is achieved, but interference of the bracket portions prevents easy attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spinal stabilization system into modular interlaminar devices that can be independently attached at different spinal segments. Each device is a self-contained unit with standardized coupling interfaces, allowing sequential attachment without bracket interference and enabling flexible configuration to match patient anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating connections serve as intermediary elements that couple adjacent interlaminar devices together. These mediators facilitate the connection between devices at different spinal levels while accommodating anatomical variations and avoiding the bracket interference problems of prior art systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable spinal stabilization system for maintaining preselected spacing and movement between adjacent vertebrae in a spinal column and for providing overall stability thereto. The system includes at least one interlaminar member positioned in the spaces intermediate a first vertebra and the vertebrae positioned immediately above or immediately below and adjacent to the first vertebra. The interlaminar member is operatively connected to an adjustable support structure and cooperates therewith to maintain the preselected spacing between adjacent vertebrae and to provide overall stability to the spinal column.