Dynamic Spinal Stabilization Anchor with Superelastic Rods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spinal stabilization methods often lead to accelerated degenerative changes at adjacent disc levels due to fusion, and existing motion preservation devices may not effectively maintain natural spinal motion and stability, particularly for patients with degenerative spinal diseases.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic stabilization and motion preservation system that includes a bone anchor with a compressor element, a horizontal rod system made of super elastic material, and a vertical rod system, allowing for multiple degrees of freedom and customizable stiffness to maintain natural spinal motion while providing stability, and the ability to selectively vary stiffness and orientation to accommodate different spinal motions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If spinal fusion is performed to stabilize the spine, then spinal stability is improved, but accelerated degenerative changes occur at adjacent disc levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidadjacent disc level degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spinal stabilization system is divided into modular components including bone anchors, horizontal rods, and vertical rods that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows stabilization at specific levels without requiring fusion of entire spinal segments, thereby preserving motion at adjacent levels and preventing accelerated degeneration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic elements including springs, dampers, and flexible rod connections that allow the spinal implant to adapt to natural spinal motions. This dynamic capability maintains spinal stability while accommodating physiological movement, avoiding the rigid fixation that causes stress concentration and adjacent level degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If motion preservation devices are used to maintain natural spinal motion, then spinal motion is preserved, but effective stability may be insufficient for patients with degenerative spinal diseases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal motion preservationVSAvoidspinal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The spinal stabilization system incorporates adjustable parameters including spring stiffness, damper coefficients, and rod connectivity options that can be customized based on patient-specific degenerative conditions. This allows the device to provide appropriate motion preservation while delivering sufficient stability support for various stages of degenerative spinal disease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid stabilization is applied to provide strong spinal support, then spinal stability is improved, but trauma to the spine increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal support strengthVSAvoidspinal trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates shock-absorbing elements such as springs and dampers that are pre-configured to cushion mechanical loads before they reach the spinal structures. This beforehand cushioning reduces peak forces and trauma to the spine while maintaining adequate stabilization support during pathological conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If fusion is performed to eliminate back pain, then pain relief is achieved, but long term consequences include accelerated degenerative changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain relief effectivenessVSAvoidlong term spinal health

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic spinal stabilization system maintains continuous physiological motion at treated and adjacent spinal levels, preventing the discontinuity of motion that occurs with fusion. This continuity of useful motion preserves spinal health long term while providing adequate pain relief through stable support, avoiding the accelerated degeneration that results from motion elimination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 preserves natural spinal motion, reduces stress on anchor systems, and allows for customizable stability, minimizing trauma to the spine and maintaining patient comfort by distributing loads and allowing for independent control of stiffness in various spinal motions.

Implementation Method 1

a horizontal rod system made of super elastic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuper elasticity: Pseudoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8568451B2Bone anchor for receiving a rod for stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method

Publication Date: 2013.10.29 FOUNDERS SPINE RES LLC

AI summary

A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.