Bone Filler Injection for Spinous Process Strengthening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for alleviating spinal stenosis, such as using interspinous implants, can place unnatural stress on weakened spinous processes, leading to fractures or cracking, especially in aged or osteoporotic individuals, necessitating a method to strengthen these processes.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive system and method involving the injection of bone filler, like polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) into the spinous process or lamina using a spinal needle, which is guided by various techniques and tools to ensure accurate placement and distribution, thereby augmenting the strength of the spinous processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interspinous implant is used to distract spinous processes, then spinal stenosis is alleviated, but spinous processes may fracture or crack due to unnatural stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by injecting bone filler into the spinous process before installing the interspinous implant. This preliminary strengthening action prevents the spinous process from fracturing or cracking under the unnatural stress generated by the implant, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving spinal stenosis alleviation and maintaining spinous process strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining bone filler (such as polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA) with the spinous process. This composite approach strengthens the natural bone structure while maintaining its integrity, allowing the spinous process to withstand the stress from the interspinous implant without fracturing or cracking.
2Strength
If bone filler injection is performed, then spinous process strength is increased, but minimally invasive approach is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by employing a needle or catheter as a mediator to deliver bone filler into the spinous process. This intermediary tool enables the minimally invasive injection while maintaining the ability to strengthen the spinous process, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving strength enhancement and maintaining minimal invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical drilling or cutting systems with a simpler injection-based mechanism. By using bone filler that can be injected through a needle or catheter, the system achieves spinous process strengthening without requiring complex mechanical tools, thereby maintaining minimal invasiveness while reducing device complexity.
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 method effectively strengthens weakened or damaged spinous processes, preventing fractures and allowing for the use of a wide range of interspinous implants while being minimally invasive, thus addressing the stress and stability issues associated with spinal stenosis treatment.
Implementation Method 1
injection of bone filler, like polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) into the spinous process or lamina
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for injecting bone filler into a vertebra, wherein a spinous process and/or lamina can be strengthened by injecting the bone filler into the spinous process and/or lamina. An insertion device including a needle can be positioned proximal to the junction between the spinous process and the lamina of the vertebra when inserting the bone filler. Various embodiments of the needle and needle guide devices can be used to facilitate the process.