Central Rod Cross-Links for Bilateral Spinal Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization systems using screws and rods often fail to adequately distribute stress across the spine, leading to strain on neurological elements and limited correction of spinal deformities, particularly in cases of trauma, tumor, disc degeneration, and disease.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a central rod system comprising cross-links with central rod holders and extension members attached to fixation members, such as hooks with serrations and side-cuts, which are secured to vertebral bodies to create a stable spinal stabilization system that distributes stress bilaterally and allows for centralized sagittal plane correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw and rod systems are used for spinal stabilization, then fixation to vertebral bodies is achieved, but stress is not adequately distributed across the spine leading to strain on neurological elements
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal stabilization system is segmented into multiple cross-links, each comprising a central rod holder and extension members that attach to fixation members on opposite sides of the spine. This segmentation allows stress to be distributed across multiple bilateral attachment points rather than concentrated at single rod-screw interfaces, thereby reducing strain on neurological elements while maintaining effective stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional unidirectional rod attachment to a bilateral three-dimensional configuration with cross-links extending across the mid-line of the spine. This dimensional change enables stress distribution in multiple directions (bilateral, multi-level) rather than along a single rod axis, improving stress distribution and reducing harmful strain on neural structures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rod systems are used, then spinal segments are connected, but rod bending occurs and correction of spinal deformities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rod system is segmented into multiple cross-links with central rod holders positioned at different spinal levels. Each cross-link acts as an independent structural unit that can be adjusted and secured separately, allowing for better control of rod positioning and reduced bending while connecting multiple spinal segments for comprehensive deformity correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable cross-links with extension members that can be positioned and secured at optimal angles and locations. This dynamic adjustability allows the rod system to accommodate spinal deformities more effectively and maintain proper alignment without excessive rod bending, enabling intuitive vertebral rotation and centralized sagittal plane correction.
3Reliability
If multiple cross-links are installed for stress distribution, then spinal stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fixation members (screws or hooks) are merged into integrated cross-link assemblies that connect to a central rod holder. This merging reduces the number of separate components and attachment steps compared to traditional systems, simplifying installation while maintaining the stress-distributing benefits of multiple bilateral attachments across several spinal levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-link design incorporates universal features including central rod holders that can accommodate standard rods, extension members that can attach to various fixation member types (screws or hooks), and modular construction that allows adaptation to different spinal levels and deformity patterns. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by using standardized components across multiple attachment points.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods related to spinal stabilization are provided. A system can comprise a plurality of cross-links. Each of the cross-links can include a central rod holder that extends substantially along a mid-line of the spine and a pair of extension members extending from the central rod holder. The extension members can be secured to a vertebral body via a fixation device, such as a spinal screw or a hook member having serrations and/or side-cuts. One or more rod members can be extended across the central rod holders of the cross-links, thereby forming a stable spinal stabilization system providing bilateral stress distribution across different levels of the spine.