Adjustable Spinal Distraction Device for Gradual Curvature Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, such as fusion surgery, come with limitations like limited spinal flexibility, potential complications, and the need for ongoing medical care, and there is a need for improved devices and methods that address the tight ligamentum flavum contributing to spinal curvature.
Innovation Solution
A distraction device for subcutaneous attachment to vertebrae that includes a housing with a drive system and extension arms, allowing for adjustable length to apply force to the spine, thereby addressing spinal curvature by stretching biological tissues like the ligamentum flavum, without the need for vertebral fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fusion surgery is performed to correct severe scoliosis, then spinal curvature correction is achieved, but spinal flexibility is limited and the risk of future complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distraction device incorporates an adjustable length mechanism that allows the device to be dynamically modified after implantation. The threaded rod can be rotated to extend or retract the extension arms, changing the device length to gradually correct curvature while preserving spinal flexibility, unlike static fusion constructs
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the correction function into separate adjustable components (extension arms connected by a threaded rod) rather than fusing the spine as a single rigid unit. This segmentation allows gradual, controlled correction while maintaining motion segments, avoiding the complete rigidity of fusion surgery
2Stability of the object's composition
If fusion surgery is performed to correct spinal curvature, then structural stability is improved, but the need for ongoing medical care and potential complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distraction device is designed to be adjusted by the patient or caregiver through external access to the threaded rod mechanism. This self-service capability reduces the need for multiple surgical interventions and ongoing medical care, allowing patients to progressively correct their curvature at home while maintaining spinal stability
3Device complexity
If a fixed-length distraction device is used to apply force to the spine, then simple structure is maintained, but the ability to gradually correct curvature is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device transforms a static structure into a dynamic one through the threaded rod mechanism. Rotating the rod converts rotational motion into linear extension or retraction of the extension arms, providing continuous length adjustment capability while adding minimal complexity to the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex motorized or electronically controlled adjustment mechanisms with a simple manual threaded rod system. This mechanical substitution uses basic screw-thread geometry to achieve precise, multi-position adjustment without requiring batteries, motors, or electronic controls, maintaining device simplicity while providing adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A distraction device for subcutaneous attachment to vertebrae for correcting curvature of a spine is provided. The distraction device includes a housing that includes a generally hollow interior, a drive system including a drive rod operatively supported in the hollow interior of the housing and a drive element coupled to the drive rod. The drive rod is rotatable within the housing about an axis of rotation and includes a first member a second member. The distraction device includes a first extension arm operatively coupled to the first end of the housing and a second extension arm operatively coupled to the second end of the housing. Rotation of the drive rod, induced by the drive element, causes the first extension arm to move into or out from the opening at the first end of the housing in a first movement direction and the second extension arm to move into or out from the opening at the second end of the housing in a second movement direction to vary a length of the distraction device.