Bi-dimensional Adjustable Spinous Process Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for spinal disorders, such as spinal stenosis, often fail to effectively relieve pressure between vertebrae, leading to persistent pain and neurological compromise due to the inability to maintain adequate space and secure contact with spinous processes.
Innovation Solution
A bi-dimensionally adjustable spacer device is positioned between adjacent vertebrae, featuring adjustable elongated legs and transverse members that can be locked into place to maintain a selected distance and secure contact with the lateral surfaces of spinous processes, allowing for longitudinal and lateral adjustments to accommodate individual anatomical needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed spacer device is used between spinous processes, then the spacing between vertebrae is maintained, but the device cannot accommodate individual anatomical variations and secure contact with lateral surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer device incorporates adjustable legs with transverse members that can be positioned at multiple locations along the leg length, allowing the device to adapt to varying spinous process distances and lateral surface positions. The legs can be adjusted independently to match the specific anatomical configuration of each patient's spine.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separate adjustable components including multiple legs, transverse members, and locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and adjusted to achieve optimal contact with the spinous processes and lateral surfaces, thereby accommodating anatomical variations without requiring a completely different device design.
2Ease of operation
If the spacer device is made adjustable in two planes, then secure contact with lateral surfaces and customization is achieved, but the device complexity and adjustment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse members are pre-positioned at multiple locations along the legs during manufacturing, and the legs are designed with predetermined adjustment increments. This preliminary preparation allows surgeons to quickly select and lock the appropriate position without complex real-time calculations or adjustments, simplifying the intraoperative procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates locking mechanisms that enable straightforward transition between adjusted positions, allowing surgeons to easily secure the legs and transverse members in the desired configuration. The dynamic adjustment capability is paired with simple locking features that maintain stability once adjustment is complete.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device maintains fixed spacing after adjustment, then stable support is provided, but the ability to accommodate postoperative swelling or movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with predetermined adjustment options that anticipate potential postoperative needs, allowing surgeons to select positions that provide both immediate stability and room for postoperative changes. The multiple pre-positioned transverse members enable selection of spacing that accounts for expected swelling or movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows modification of the spacing parameter through adjustable leg positions, enabling optimization of the balance between stability and adaptability. By selecting appropriate leg lengths and transverse member positions, the device can provide stable support while accommodating anticipated postoperative physiological changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a bi-dimensionally adjustable spacing device configured to be placed between the spinous processes of at least two adjacent vertebrae and also adjusted laterally to securely contact the lateral surfaces of the spinous process. A method of using the device to treat spinal disorders is also provided.