Deflectable Post Spinal Prosthesis for Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for degenerative spinal disorders, such as spinal fusion, often result in reduced range of motion, accelerated degenerative changes, complicated implantation procedures, and insecure anchor systems, highlighting the need for improved devices and methods that preserve spinal motion and accommodate diverse patient anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic spinal stabilization system comprising versatile components, adaptable stabilization assemblies, and methods for implantation, which includes a deflection rod system that provides load sharing and reduces stress on spinal anatomy, allowing for customization to individual anatomy and procedures while minimizing tissue disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If spinal fusion is used to treat degenerative spinal disorders, then spinal stability is improved, but range of motion is reduced and adjacent vertebrae experience accelerated degenerative changes
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal prosthesis incorporates a deflectable post within the bone anchor that can dynamically deflect relative to the longitudinal axis of the bone anchor, allowing the system to adapt between stable and mobile states based on physiological needs, thus maintaining both spinal stability and range of motion
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flexibility parameter of the spinal stabilization construct by incorporating a deflectable post with controlled deflection characteristics, transitioning from a rigid fusion construct to a dynamic construct that preserves motion while providing stability
2Reliability
If traditional bone anchors are used, then anchor security is provided, but stress concentration on the anchor and surrounding anatomy occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The deflectable post acts as a dynamic element that can flex under load, redistributing stresses away from the bone anchor and surrounding anatomy, thereby maintaining anchor security while reducing stress concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies the stiffness parameter of the anchor assembly by incorporating the deflectable post, which changes the mechanical properties to reduce stress transmission to the bone and surrounding tissues while maintaining anchorage security
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid spinal rods are used for stabilization, then spinal support is provided, but stress on bone anchors and spinal anatomy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces rigid spinal rods with a dynamic construct featuring a deflectable post that can flex under physiological loads, providing spinal support while reducing stress transmission to bone anchors and spinal anatomy through controlled deflection
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable post functions as a flexible structural element within the bone anchor that provides spinal support through controlled flexibility, allowing the system to support spinal loads while reducing stress concentration compared to rigid constructs
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 system effectively stabilizes the spine, preserves motion, and reduces stress on bone anchors and spinal anatomy, offering a more secure and efficient treatment option for degenerative spinal disorders by providing load sharing and customizable solutions for various anatomical needs.
Implementation Method 1
a deflectable post (204) received within a mount (207) and configured to deflect relative to a longitudinal axis of the bone anchor (102)
Implementation Method 2
The compound spinal rod includes a first rod and second rod connected by a pivoting joint
Data Source
AI summary
A spine stabilization prosthesis which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. The spine stabilization prosthesis incorporates a bone anchor having a deflectable post and a compound spinal rod which provide for load sharing while preserving range of motion and reducing stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy. The bone anchor includes a deflectable post connected by a ball-joint to a bone screw. The compound spinal rod includes a coupling mounted to the deflectable post and connected by a pivoting joint to a rod. The combined motions of the ball-joint and the pivoting joint support a range of motion of adjacent vertebrae which closely approximates the natural range of motion of the spine.