Adjustable Laminoplasty Fixation Device for Spinal Decompression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional laminoplasty fixation devices require custom selection and shaping before surgery, which is time-consuming and inefficient, as they need to be tailored to specific patient anatomy for effective spinal canal decompression.

Innovation Solution

Development of adjustable laminoplasty fixation devices with bone engaging portions that can be adjusted in spacing during implantation, featuring bendable, rotatable, or slidable components to accommodate varying vertebral dimensions, allowing for one-size-fits-all solutions and reducing the need for preoperative measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional fixed-size laminoplasty plates are used, then the plate can be securely fixed to the vertebrae, but the plate requires custom selection and shaping before each surgery which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplate customization processVSAvoidsurgical preparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The plate incorporates adjustable components including a rod that can slide within the plate body and a set screw mechanism that allows the distance between the first and second bone engaging portions to be varied. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for custom shaping before surgery while maintaining secure fixation to the vertebrae.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The plate design allows changing the spacing parameter between bone engaging portions by sliding the rod to different positions and securing it with the set screw. This parameter adjustment enables the same plate to accommodate different vertebral dimensions without requiring custom manufacturing or pre-shaping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If custom-sized plates are selected for each patient, then the implantation can accommodate specific anatomical requirements, but the surgeon must measure and select the appropriate plate size prior to surgery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical accommodationVSAvoidplate selection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plate is designed as a universal implant that can accommodate multiple vertebral sizes and configurations through its adjustable mechanism. The single plate design with variable spacing eliminates the need for multiple custom-sized plates and complex preoperative selection processes, while still adapting to specific anatomical requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the plate spacing is fixed during manufacturing, then the plate structure is simple, but the plate cannot accommodate varying vertebral dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplate structureVSAvoidvertebral dimension accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plate is divided into separable components including the plate body, the rod, and the set screw mechanism. This segmentation allows the rod to be positioned at different locations along the plate body, enabling adjustment of the spacing between bone engaging portions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10568665B2Laminoplasty fixation devices
Publication Date: 2020.02.25 GLOBUS MEDICAL INC
  • US10568665B2 patent drawing
  • US10568665B2 patent drawing
  • US10568665B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Devices and methods for treating degenerative conditions of the spine or for alleviating pain or discomfort associated with the spinal column are disclosed. In particular, laminoplasty fixation devices and methods are disclosed. Also disclosed, is a vertebral implant comprising a first bone engaging portion configured for securing to a first cut portion of a vertebra and a second bone engaging portion configured for securing to a second cut portion of the vertebra. A body portion is provided for associating the first and second bone engaging portions at a preselected spacing from each other, wherein the implant is adjustable to select said spacing.