Adjustable Magnetic Pedicle Rods for Dynamic Spinal Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion technologies often lead to stress shielding and adjacent level disease due to permanent fixation, and there is a need for adjustable and non-invasive methods to manage spinal conditions like degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis.
Innovation Solution
The use of adjustable magnetic devices, including pedicle screws, rods, and distraction devices, which can be manipulated using external magnetic fields to adjust compression, tension, and spinal canal dimensions, allowing for dynamic support and alignment adjustments post-surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If permanent fixation is used in spinal fusion, then stability is improved, but stress shielding and adjacent level disease occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic fixation devices that can adjust their mechanical properties over time, transitioning from rigid fixation to more flexible support. This allows the device to provide initial stability while gradually allowing physiological motion, thereby reducing stress shielding effects on adjacent vertebrae and preventing adjacent level disease.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the fixation device, such as stiffness and flexibility, to optimize performance. By adjusting these parameters, the device can provide adequate stability during healing while reducing harmful stress shielding effects, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and stress shielding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable magnetic devices are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms with magnetic actuation systems. Magnetic fields can adjust device parameters remotely and non-invasively, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components such as screws, levers, or motors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses magnetic fields as an intermediary to control the adjustable parameters of the device. This allows for non-contact, non-invasive adjustment of device properties, simplifying the overall system architecture while enhancing adaptability to different patient needs and healing stages.
3Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used, then reliability is improved, but invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical adjustment mechanisms with non-invasive magnetic actuation. This allows for post-surgical adjustment of fixation devices without requiring additional incisions or surgical interventions, thereby reducing surgical invasiveness while maintaining treatment reliability through programmable and adjustable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the fixation device to be adjusted and controlled after implantation without requiring external surgical intervention. The magnetic actuation system allows the device to serve itself by enabling remote adjustment of its parameters, reducing the need for follow-up surgical procedures and minimizing additional invasiveness.
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
These devices provide non-invasive adjustment of spinal alignment and support, reducing stress shielding and adjacent level disease, promoting optimal healing and flexibility, and enabling precise alignment of artificial discs.
Implementation Method 1
the hollow magnetic assembly rotates in response to an externally applied magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first pedicle screw, a second pedicle screw, and an adjustable rod having an outer housing coupled to one of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, the outer housing having a threaded shaft secured to one end thereof extending along an interior portion thereof. The system farther includes a hollow magnetic assembly disposed within the outer housing and having a magnetic element disposed therein, the hollow magnetic assembly having an internal threaded surface engaged with the threaded shaft, the magnetic assembly being coupled to the other of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, wherein the hollow magnetic assembly rotates in response to an externally applied magnetic field to thereby lengthen or shorten the distance between the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw.