Dynamic Spinal Stabilization Brace for Motion Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal stabilization methods restrict spinal movement, leading to limited range of motion and increased stress on adjacent vertebrae, as they either rigidly fix vertebrae together or fail to address disc compression during flexion.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic stabilization system using an adjustable inter-vertebral dynamic brace that allows vertebrae to move through their natural arc, with an adjustable compression device to maintain proper distraction force, enabling substantial range of motion in flexion, extension, and other spinal motions, while reducing disc compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid spacers are used to prevent vertebrae from moving too close together, then nerve compression is prevented, but spinal range of motion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic stabilization device with a spring mechanism that allows controlled movement between vertebrae. The spring-loaded connector maintains distraction force to prevent nerve compression while permitting physiological range of motion, resolving the contradiction between stability and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of distraction force parameters through可调 compression devices, enabling optimization of both nerve protection and range of motion parameters for individual patient needs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If vertebrae are rigidly fixed together, then spinal stability is improved, but stress on adjacent vertebrae increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic stabilization device distributes mechanical loads through its spring mechanism, allowing adjacent vertebrae to move naturally while maintaining stability at the treated level, thereby reducing stress concentration on adjacent segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization device acts as an intermediary element between affected vertebrae, providing controlled support and load distribution that protects both the treated segment and adjacent vertebrae from excessive stress.
3Reliability
If the spine is stabilized in extension, then nerve pressure is reduced, but flexion movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded dynamic brace maintains distraction force to reduce nerve pressure while allowing the spine to flex naturally, as the spring mechanism accommodates flexion movements without rigid constraint.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a system and method for dynamic stabilization which provides for distraction of the inter-vertebral space while still allowing a patient a substantial range of motion. In one embodiment, an inter-vertebral dynamic brace is used to maintain proper distraction. The dynamic brace is designed to allow the vertebrae to which it is attached to move through their natural arc, maintaining the correct instantaneous center of rotation. An adjustable tensioning device is used to maintain the proper distraction and compression forces to restore and maintain proper kinematics, while allowing the dynamic brace to move through an arc centered with respect to the center of rotation of the portion of the spine between the vertebrae. In one embodiment, a method is provided for adjusting the dynamic brace both with respect to the center of rotation of the vertebrae in both the flexion/extension axis and in the superior/inferior axis.