Adjustable Spinal Prosthesis In-Situ Lordotic Angle

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spinal prostheses lack the ability to adjust in-situ to accommodate individual variations in lordotic angles, relying on pre-manufactured and customized devices that cannot adapt to specific anatomical changes post-implantation.

Innovation Solution

A spinal prosthesis system comprising two movably attached members with a fastening device that allows spatial movement and adjustment to a desired orientation, featuring a flexure assembly with an elastomeric boot and non-straight surfaces for pivotable articulation, enabling in-situ adjustment of the lordotic angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If pre-manufactured and customized prostheses with predetermined lordotic angles are used, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability to individual anatomical variations and ease of operation are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepredetermined lordotic angleVSAvoidadaptability to individual anatomical variations

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the lordotic angle to be modified after implantation. The articulation between the first and second spinal prosthetic members enables spatial movement and repositioning, transforming a static pre-manufactured device into a dynamic system that can adapt to individual anatomical variations while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If pre-manufactured and customized prostheses with predetermined lordotic angles are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation and post-implantation adjustment capability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepredetermined lordotic angleVSAvoidpost-implantation adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device includes a movable connection mechanism that allows the first and second spinal prosthetic members to be repositioned relative to each other after implantation. This dynamic feature enables surgeons to adjust the lordotic angle intraoperatively or postoperatively, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining the precision benefits of pre-manufactured components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The prosthesis is divided into separable components (first spinal prosthetic member and second spinal prosthetic member) connected by a fastening device. This segmentation allows independent positioning and adjustment of each component, enabling precise control over the lordotic angle while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If fixed, non-adjustable prostheses are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and ability to accommodate anatomical changes are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixed structureVSAvoidability to accommodate anatomical changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the lordotic angle to be modified after implantation. The articulation between the first and second spinal prosthetic members enables spatial movement and repositioning, transforming a static pre-manufactured device into a dynamic system that can adapt to individual anatomical variations while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The prosthesis is divided into separable components (first spinal prosthetic member and second spinal prosthetic member) connected by a fastening device. This segmentation allows independent positioning and adjustment of each component, enabling precise control over the lordotic angle while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables flexible and precise adjustment of the lordotic angle post-implantation, accommodating individual anatomical variations and providing a stable, customizable fit to restore natural spinal curvature and mobility.

Implementation Method 1

flexure assembly with an elastomeric boot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

non-straight surfaces for pivotable articulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7491238B2Adjustable spinal prosthesis

Publication Date: 2009.02.17 DENSO CORP

AI summary

Apparatus including a first spinal prosthetic member attachable to a first spinal structure, and a second spinal prosthetic member attachable to a second spinal structure, the first and second spinal prosthetic members being movably attached to one another with a fastening device, the fastening device having a non-tightened position which permits spatial movement of the first and second spinal prosthetic members with respect to one another at a desired orientation, and a tightened position which fixes the first and second spinal prosthetic members at the desired orientation.