Cervical Dynamic Stabilization Plate Weight Sharing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vertebral stabilization devices fail to adequately support partial discectomy sites, leading to spinal collapse and secondary neural foraminal stenosis, as they do not allow for weight sharing or natural motion, hindering bone healing and disc regeneration.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic stabilization device featuring a flexible plate with a weight-bearing core that allows six planes of motion, providing partial weight sharing and stabilization to prevent collapse, while facilitating disc regeneration by maintaining the disc space open during the healing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid stabilization devices are used to provide stability after discectomy, then vertebral alignment and stability are improved, but natural motion is restricted and bone healing is hindered due to stress shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from rigid stabilization to a dynamic system that allows controlled motion. The flexible core enables the plate to accommodate natural vertebral movement while maintaining stability, and the selectable locking mechanisms allow the system to transition between locked and unlocked states based on healing progression, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and natural motion capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the stiffness characteristics of the stabilization device. The flexible core provides dynamic stiffness adjustment, and the optional locking mechanisms allow transition between different mechanical states (locked/unlocked), enabling the system to adapt its mechanical properties to different stages of healing and maintaining both stability and motion capability
2Strength
If rigid plates are used to prevent spinal collapse, then structural support is improved, but weight sharing is prevented and bone healing is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible core changes the mechanical parameters of the stabilization system by introducing controlled flexibility. This allows the device to share weight dynamically rather than bearing all loads rigidly, preventing stress shielding while maintaining structural support strength during the healing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction with a flexible core integrated into the plate structure. This composite design combines the strength of the plate material with the flexibility of the core material, enabling simultaneous weight sharing and structural support without stress shielding
3Ease of operation
If total disc replacement is performed with motion devices, then disc function is restored, but the natural disc is completely removed and fusion is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing only a partial discectomy rather than total disc removal. The stabilization plate supports the remaining disc tissue and promotes its regeneration, avoiding the need for complete disc replacement or fusion while still restoring disc function
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service by creating conditions that allow the natural disc to regenerate and heal itself. The plate maintains proper spacing and alignment while permitting controlled motion, facilitating natural disc tissue regeneration without requiring fusion or artificial replacement
Data Source
AI summary
A vertebral stabilization plate assembly is provided. The plate assembly includes a flexible core located in a mid-portion section of the plate assembly; at least a first and a second attachment portion positioned above and below (or above and below—depending on orientation of flexible core) the flexible core, wherein the first and the second attachment portions comprise a plurality of fastener holes through which a plurality of fasteners are inserted to attach the plate assembly to at least two vertebral bone structures; and at least one flexible cable that extends through at least a first portion of the flexible core to maintain a position of the flexible core within the plate assembly, wherein the plate assembly is weight-bearing and attaches to the at least two vertebral bone structures and extends across a disc space located between the at least two vertebral bone structures.