Dynamic Lumbar Stabilization via Curved Overlapping Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dynamic stabilization methods for the lumbar spine often fail to simultaneously stabilize both anterior and posterior vertebral columns, leading to issues with sagittal balance and degeneration of adjacent levels, especially when fusion is performed incorrectly.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic lumbar spine stabilization device that allows for simultaneous fixation of both anterior and posterior vertebral columns through the use of curved, overlapping rails, enabling partial or full flexion and extension while preventing other motions, and includes through-shafts and interbody components for additional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fusion is performed at lumbar levels to stabilize the spine, then stability is improved, but sagittal balance deteriorates and adjacent level degeneration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic fixation device that allows controlled motion between vertebrae through articulating components and curved rails. The device transitions from static fusion to dynamic stabilization, permitting physiological flexion and extension while preventing pathological motions. This dynamic approach maintains sagittal balance by allowing natural spinal kinematics rather than rigidly fixing the spine in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the motion parameters allowed at the instrumented level by selectively permitting flexion and extension while restricting axial rotation and lateral bending through its geometric design. The curved rails and articulating components are configured with specific radii and orientations that define the allowed motion envelope, effectively changing the kinematic parameters of the spinal segment to achieve both stability and balance.
2Ease of operation
If artificial discs are used to restore disc function, then dynamic motion is improved, but they cannot simultaneously stabilize the posterior facet joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines anterior and posterior stabilization functions into a single integrated device. The fixation device spans both the disc space and the facet joints, with components that simultaneously address anterior column support and posterior facet stabilization. This merged approach allows the device to perform both disc replacement and facet joint stabilization functions that would otherwise require separate implants.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it provides anterior column support through vertebral body attachment, stabilizes posterior facet joints through articulated components, and controls motion in multiple planes. This universal design eliminates the need for separate artificial disc and facet stabilization implants, as one device performs all necessary functions.
3Reliability
If posterior dynamic stabilization is used to restore facet joint function, then facet stabilization is improved, but anterior column support is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges posterior facet stabilization with anterior column support by incorporating attachment mechanisms that span the entire vertebral body. Through-shafts extend through the vertebral body to provide anterior support while posterior elements stabilize the facet joints. This combined configuration ensures both anterior and posterior columns are simultaneously stabilized with a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device extends across multiple spatial dimensions by incorporating components that reach from the posterior elements through the vertebral body to the anterior column. This three-dimensional configuration allows the device to provide support in both the anterior and posterior dimensions simultaneously, rather than being limited to a single plane or region.
4Strength
If through-shafts are extended to pedicle locations for stable fixation, then anchorage is improved, but surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical technique employs preliminary action by first establishing the through-shaft trajectories and positions before final assembly of the fixation device. Guide wires or pilot holes are placed in advance to define the optimal paths through the vertebral bodies to the pedicle regions, ensuring accurate positioning and maximum anchorage strength before the actual fixation components are installed.
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamic lumbar spine stabilization device implementations and methods are disclosed, which allow for dynamic fixation of both anterior and posterior vertebral columns simultaneously through the articulation of pairs of curved, overlapping rails for partial flexion and extension or up to full normal flexion and extension while stabilizing at least two vertebrae of the lumbar spine.