Collapsible Spinal Anchor for Pedicle Screw Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal realignment surgeries face limitations in achieving effective axial and coronal corrections due to the risk of pedicle screw failure and fracture from laterally applied forces, which restricts the amount of correction achievable in the spine's sagittal, coronal, and axial planes.
Innovation Solution
An anchor apparatus with a collapsible design, featuring foldable wings and a locking mechanism, is inserted between vertebrae to apply corrective forces, allowing for deployment and realignment of the spine by expanding its lateral profile, thereby minimizing the risk of pedicle screw failure and enhancing correction capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If pedicle screws are used to apply corrective forces to the spine, then spinal realignment can be achieved, but the risk of pedicle screw failure and fracture increases due to laterally applied forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate device (spinal realignment system with rods and anchors) that mediates between the surgeon's corrective intent and the spine. Instead of directly loading pedicle screws with lateral corrective forces, the system uses rods that can be bent into the desired spinal configuration and anchored at multiple points, distributing forces along the spinal column rather than concentrating them at screw-bone interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from applying corrective forces primarily in the axial direction (through pedicle screws) to utilizing three-dimensional rod bending and anchoring systems. The rods can be configured in complex spatial arrangements that address sagittal, coronal, and axial plane deformities simultaneously, distributing corrective forces across multiple dimensions and reducing reliance on lateral screw loading.
2Shape
If laterally applied forces are used for spinal correction, then axial and coronal alignment can be improved, but pedicle screw failure and fracture risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic rod bending techniques where rods are progressively shaped to match the desired spinal curvature during surgery. The system allows for incremental adjustment of spinal alignment through controlled rod deformation and sequential anchoring, enabling the spine to be realigned in stages rather than through single high-force lateral applications that would compromise screw integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spinal correction is divided into multiple discrete anchoring points along the spinal column. Rather than applying a single large lateral force through one or two pedicle screws, the correction is segmented into multiple smaller force vectors distributed across several anchor points, with each segment bearing a fraction of the total corrective load.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional spinal reconstruction techniques are used, then some realignment can be achieved, but the amount of axial and coronal correction is limited due to pedicle screw failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a universal spinal realignment system that can address multiple types of spinal deformities (sagittal imbalance, coronal plane deformities, axial rotation) using the same basic components (rods, anchors, bending tools). The system is versatile enough to accommodate various surgical approaches and patient anatomies, enabling comprehensive correction across all three spinal planes without requiring specialized hardware for each deformity type.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of an anchor and intradiscal implant for surgical realignment of a misaligned spine are disclosed herein.