Dynamic Spinal Stabilization with Elastic Bumpers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional spinal stabilization methods often result in permanent immobilization of vertebrae through fusion, which can lead to loosening of bone anchors and lack of elastic distraction, as rigid longitudinal connecting members do not allow for natural spinal movement.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic stabilization assembly featuring a tensioned cord with an elastic spacer and an elastic bumper, allowing for sliding engagement with bone anchors, enabling elastic distraction, compression, and bending in response to spinal flexion and extension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid longitudinal connecting members are used to immobilize vertebrae for fusion, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but natural spinal movement is restricted and anchor loosening occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilizationVSAvoidnatural spinal movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid connecting members with a dynamic assembly consisting of a tensioned cord, elastic spacer, and elastic bumper. The cord allows controlled movement while maintaining tension, the elastic spacer provides compression resistance, and the bumper absorbs impact forces. This dynamic configuration enables the spine to move naturally while remaining stabilized, resolving the contradiction between immobilization and natural movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining different elastic elements (cord, spacer, bumper) with distinct mechanical properties into a single functional assembly. The cord provides tensile strength, the spacer provides compressive resistance, and the bumper provides shock absorption. This composite approach allows the system to handle both compression and distraction forces while permitting natural spinal motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If fusion is performed to prevent anchor loosening, then long-term stabilization is achieved, but permanent immobilization of vertebrae occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchor stabilityVSAvoidvertebral mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic assembly replaces the static fusion approach with a system that actively adapts to spinal movement. The tensioned cord maintains constant tension on the anchors, the elastic spacer absorbs compressive loads, and the bumper cushions impact forces. This dynamic system prevents anchor loosening while allowing the vertebrae to move naturally, eliminating the need for permanent fusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If elastic elements are added to allow natural movement, then spinal flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal flexibilityVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple elastic functional elements (tensioned cord, elastic spacer, elastic bumper) into a single integrated assembly that attaches between two bone anchors. Rather than implementing separate complex mechanisms for each function, these elements are combined into one cohesive unit that provides tension, compression resistance, and shock absorption simultaneously, managing complexity while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible elastic elements (cord, spacer, bumper) that naturally conform to spinal movement without requiring rigid structural components. These flexible elements provide the necessary mechanical functions through their material properties rather than through complex geometries, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 assembly provides lightweight, reduced volume, low-profile stabilization with ease of use and cost-effectiveness, allowing for natural spinal movement while maintaining stability and preventing anchor loosening.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11707298B2Dynamic spinal stabilization assembly with elastic bumpers and locking limited travel closure mechanisms

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 JACKSON CORP

AI summary

A dynamic stabilization assembly includes a core, typically in the form of a tensioned cord, at least one pair of bone anchors, a spacer surrounding the core located between the bone anchors, at least one elastic bumper and at least one fixing or blocking member. The core is slidable with respect to at least one of the bone anchors, the spacer and the bumper. The bumper is compressed. Bone screws of the assembly include closure structures that lock against the bone screw independent of any fixing or sliding of the core with respect to the bone screw.