Dynamic Spinal Rod Anchor for Deformity Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal deformity correction systems face challenges in providing effective lateral translational and derotational corrective forces without vertebral fusion, while maintaining spinal mobility and allowing for spinal remodeling without permanent fusion.
Innovation Solution
A spinal correction system comprising a first rod anchored to one vertebra, a second rod anchored to another vertebra, and a transverse coupler that constrains the rods against lateral translation while allowing axial sliding and changes in pitch, yaw, and roll, with additional anchors providing stabilization and allowing for selective fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid stabilization hardware is used to maintain spinal correction, then correction stability is improved, but spinal mobility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The rod anchor assembly incorporates a dynamic constraint mechanism that allows the rod to move relative to the vertebrae within controlled degrees of freedom. The constraint mechanism includes surfaces that permit sliding motion along the rod's longitudinal axis while preventing lateral displacement, enabling the system to adapt to spinal movement while maintaining correction stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If permanent fusion is performed to stabilize the spine, then spinal stability is improved, but spinal remodeling capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic stabilization that maintains spinal alignment while allowing physiological movement and remodeling. The rod anchor assembly's constrained movement capability enables the spine to adapt and remodel over time without requiring permanent fusion, as the corrective forces are maintained through the dynamic constraint rather than rigid fixation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the rod is rigidly fixed to vertebrae, then lateral translation is prevented, but corrective force application is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rod anchor assembly creates a dynamic connection between the rod and vertebrae that prevents lateral translation while allowing longitudinal movement. This dynamic constraint enables the rod to apply corrective forces to the spine while accommodating spinal movement and remodeling, optimizing both stability and force application.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of correcting a spinal deformity, including securing a first rod on a first side of a spine, securing an anchor on a second side of a spine, securing a lateral coupling between the rod and the anchor, translating and/or derotating the spine and securing a second rod on a second side of the spine to provide secondary stabilization to the spine.