Adjustable Spinal Implant for Spondylolisthesis Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for spondylolisthesis, a condition where a vertebra slips out of place, often require invasive surgery and can lead to incomplete correction of the deformity, resulting in continued pain and potential progression of the condition, especially in adolescents.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasively adjustable spinal system comprising an implantable actuator with anchoring structures secured to the sacrum and an adjustment element engaging the lumbar vertebra, allowing remote activation for gradual correction of the vertebral alignment through a magnetic or mechanical driving element, enabling minimally invasive adjustment and potential reduction of spondylolisthesis grade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional invasive surgery is used to treat spondylolisthesis, then the vertebral alignment can be corrected, but the risk of progression and continued pain remains, along with surgical complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical invasive surgery with a magnetically-actuated adjustment system. The implantable actuator uses magnetic fields to drive the adjustment element, eliminating the need for continuous mechanical intervention or invasive procedures while achieving progressive correction of spondylolisthesis
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic, progressive adjustment of vertebral alignment through remote activation of the driving element. The adjustment element can be progressively moved to correct the deformity over time, allowing the treatment to adapt to the patient's condition and progress at different rates
2Productivity
If invasive surgery is performed for spondylolisthesis treatment, then immediate correction is achieved, but the procedure is complex and carries significant risks
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into distinct functional segments: an anchoring structure for securement to the sacrum, an adjustment element for engaging the lumbar vertebra, and a driving element for remote activation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system while enabling progressive correction
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment element acts as an intermediary between the anchoring structure and the lumbar vertebra. It translates the remote magnetic activation into mechanical movement, progressively adjusting the vertebral alignment without requiring direct invasive manipulation during treatment
3Reliability
If traditional surgery is used, then the procedure is definitive, but it may not achieve complete correction and can lead to continued pain
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous or progressive correction through repeated remote activations. The driving element can be activated multiple times to progressively adjust the adjustment element, allowing the treatment to continue until complete correction is achieved, eliminating the all-or-nothing nature of traditional surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for monitoring and adjustment based on patient response. The progressive nature of the correction enables the clinician to assess the patient's improvement and adjust the treatment protocol accordingly, ensuring complete correction and pain relief while avoiding unnecessary aggressive intervention
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a non-invasively adjustable spinal system for treatment of a subject having spondylolisthesis includes a first implantable actuator having at least one anchoring structure, the anchoring structure configured to facilitate securement of the first implantable actuator to a portion of the sacrum of the subject. The non-invasively adjustable spinal system can further include an adjustment element, configured to be coupled to the first implantable actuator, the adjustment element having an engagement structure configured to engage at least one transverse process of a lumbar vertebra of the subject. The non-invasively adjustable spinal system can further include a driving element, wherein remote activation of the driving element causes movement of the adjustment element in relation to the first implantable actuator.