Adjustable Interspinous Insert for Endoscopic Small-Incision Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of inserting an interspinous spacer between spinous processes during spinal endoscopic operations is hindered by the spacer's size being larger than the incision hole, preventing its passage through the incision.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic interspinous insert comprising a first and second support member with protrusions and an adjustment member, allowing it to be inserted through an incision hole and deformable to fit between spinous processes, with features like frames, teeth, and a locking mechanism to stabilize the insert.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an interspinous spacer is inserted through an incision hole, then endoscopic operation without additional incisions is enabled, but the spacer cannot pass through the incision hole because its size is larger than the hole
Solution Approach 1:
The interspinous spacer is designed with dynamic deformability, allowing it to transition from a compressed insertion state (passing through the incision hole) to an expanded functional state (providing spinal stabilization). The spacer includes elastic elements and a flexible structure that enable it to adapt its size during the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer's physical parameters (size, shape, flexibility) are specifically engineered to change during the procedure. The insertion portion has reduced dimensions compared to the expansion portion, allowing the spacer to be inserted through a small incision hole and then expand to the required size for spinal stabilization.
2Reliability
If the interspinous spacer is made larger to provide adequate spinal stabilization, then fixation effectiveness is improved, but the spacer cannot be inserted through a small incision hole
Solution Approach 1:
The interspinous spacer is divided into distinct functional segments: an insertion portion with reduced dimensions for passing through the incision hole, and an expansion portion with larger dimensions for providing spinal stabilization. This segmentation allows different parts of the same device to have different sizes optimized for their respective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer structure allows the insertion portion to be nested within or alongside the expansion portion during insertion, enabling the compact insertion configuration to transition into the expanded functional configuration within the spinal canal.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic interspinous insert is disclosed for placement between adjacent spinous processes. The insert includes a first support member having a first support body with a first contact surface to engage one spinous process, a plurality of first support protrusions at opposite ends of the first support body, and a first frame of higher rigidity than the body positioned inside to support the contact surface. A second support member includes a second support body with a second contact surface to engage the other spinous process, a plurality of second support protrusions at opposite ends, and a second frame of higher rigidity positioned inside to support the contact surface. An adjustment member connects the first and second frames, enabling movement in opposite directions to adjust the spacing between the support members. This structure provides stable support and adjustable spacing while allowing endoscopic implantation between spinous processes.