Articulating Spinal Connecting Member with Ball-and-Socket Anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization systems lack adaptability for various stabilization requirements and do not effectively allow limited spinal motion while maintaining distraction between vertebral levels.
Innovation Solution
The development of elongated connecting member systems with articulating anchors that include ball-shaped members and sockets, allowing for limited spinal motion and secure fixation, along with semi-rigid or rigid body portions to maintain distraction between vertebral levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixation is used to stabilize spinal column segments, then stability and strength are improved, but spinal motion is completely restricted and adaptability to various stabilization requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member is designed with dynamic characteristics, transitioning from completely rigid fixation to a system that allows controlled motion. The ball-shaped member with circumferential cut and socket interface enables the connecting member to articulate and adapt to different stabilization requirements while maintaining spinal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in spinal stabilization by enabling the connecting member to adjust its degree of freedom. The articulating mechanism between the ball-shaped member and socket permits variation in motion constraints, adapting to different clinical scenarios and stabilization needs.
2Length of stationary object
If rigid connecting members are used to maintain distraction between vertebral levels, then distraction is maintained, but spinal motion is completely restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member incorporates a dynamic articulating mechanism that maintains the distraction distance between vertebral levels while permitting controlled spinal motion. The ball-and-socket interface allows the connecting member to move adaptively while preserving the necessary spacing between vertebrae.
3Reliability
If the ball-shaped member is sized larger than the socket opening, then secure fixation is achieved, but insertion becomes difficult without alignment features
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential cut in the ball-shaped member is positioned to align with the socket opening during the insertion process. This preliminary alignment feature guides the ball-shaped member into the correct position before secure fixation is achieved, facilitating easy insertion while maintaining reliable fixation.
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
The solution enables adaptable spinal stabilization systems that allow for limited vertebral motion while maintaining constant or variable distraction, reducing the risk of anchor pullout and facilitating various spinal procedures, including non-fusion and fusion techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The first end includes a ball-shaped member having a circumferential cut... The ball-shaped member is sized greater than the second maximum dimension to prevent the ball-shaped member from passing through the opening of the socket when the cut is not aligned with the opening
Implementation Method 2
The second anchor includes a distal bone engaging portion and a proximal portion including a stem extending proximally from the bone engaging portion that is pivotal relative thereto
Data Source
AI summary
Stabilization systems for stabilizing one or more vertebral levels are provided. The systems include anchors engageable to the vertebrae and an elongate connecting member system that maintains distraction between the vertebrae while allowing at least limited vertebral motion of the stabilized vertebral levels. The stabilization systems can be employed alone in non-fusion procedure or in conjunction interbody fusion and/or postero-lateral fusion procedures. The connecting members are structured to maintain a constant or slightly variable distance between the anchors to which the connecting members are connected while the connections of the connecting members with the anchors allow motion.