Deflectable Post Spinal Anchor for Dynamic Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion methods for treating degenerative spinal disorders result in reduced range of motion, accelerated degenerative changes, and complications such as complex implantation procedures, tissue and bone removal, increased spinal stress, insecure anchor systems, poor durability, and limited revision options.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic spinal stabilization system comprising versatile components and methods that allow for customizable implantation to accommodate individual anatomy, providing dynamic stabilization while preserving spinal motion, with a modular design that includes deflectable posts, ball-joints, and compound spinal rods to distribute load and reduce stress on anchors and anatomy.
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 patent employs a dynamic stabilization system with a deflectable post that can bend and articulate within the bone anchor, allowing the spine to maintain natural motion while still providing stabilization. The post's ability to deflect dynamically resolves the contradiction between stability and range of motion by providing both simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone anchor is divided into multiple functional segments: an outer housing, an inner deflectable post, and a ball joint mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the housing provides anchor stability while the deflectable post preserves motion, thus resolving the contradiction between spinal stability and range of motion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional bone anchors are used, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but implantation procedures become complex and require tissue and bone removal
Solution Approach 1:
The deflectable post is nested within the bone anchor housing, with the post fitting inside the outer shell. This nested configuration eliminates the need for complex implantation procedures and tissue removal, as the entire assembly can be implanted through a single access point, simplifying the surgical procedure while maintaining stabilization.
3Strength
If rigid spinal rods are used for stabilization, then spinal support is improved, but stress on anchors and surrounding anatomy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the stabilization element from rigid to flexible by implementing a deflectable post that can bend and articulate. This parameter change allows the system to provide necessary spinal support while reducing stress concentration on the anchors and surrounding anatomy through controlled deflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable post functions as a flexible element within the bone anchor, replacing traditional rigid rods. This flexible component provides spinal support while accommodating natural motion and reducing stress transmission to the anchors and surrounding bone structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If polyaxial connectors are used to accommodate diverse patient anatomy, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchor with its deflectable post and ball joint mechanism serves multiple functions: it anchors to bone, allows polyaxial orientation adjustment, and provides dynamic stabilization. This multi-functional design achieves anatomy accommodation without requiring separate complex connector systems, as the anchor itself provides the necessary adaptability.
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 natural motion, reduces stress on anchors and anatomy, and allows for flexible adaptation to patient-specific anatomy, improving durability and simplifying implantation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The deflectable post is connected to a bone anchor by a ball-joint which permits the deflectable post to pivot and rotate relative the bone anchor.
Implementation Method 2
The compound spinal rod includes a coupling which is adapted to be fixed to the deflectable post. The coupling is connected by a pivoting joint to a rod which is adapted to be connected to a bone anchor on an adjacent vertebra.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone anchor comprising a self-centering ball-joint suitable for use in a spine stabilization prosthesis which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. The bone anchor has a deflectable ball-rod partially received in a socket of a housing formed in the head of the bone anchor. A centering rod received partially in the ball-rod and partially within the housing operates to align the ball-rod with the longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. Deflection of the ball-rod bends the centering rod which in turn applies a restoring force upon the ball-rod.