Dynamic Spinal Stabilizer with Elastomeric Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with lumbar spinal fusion are at risk of adjacent segment disease, where the adjacent spinal component, if partially diseased, can degrade quicker when fused with a fully diseased component, leading to reduced mobility and potential need for additional spinal fusion.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic stabilization system comprising an elongated spinal rod, bone anchors, and a dynamic member with an elastomeric element that allows translation of the spinal rod, preventing full immobilization of partially diseased adjacent segments, thereby maintaining mobility and delaying degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a spinal fusion is performed to stabilize a diseased spinal segment, then stability and immobilization are improved, but adjacent segment disease occurs due to loss of mobility in adjacent segments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the spinal stabilization approach by providing different stabilization characteristics for different spinal levels. The dynamic stabilization system allows the adjacent spinal segment to maintain mobility while the fused segment remains stable, preventing adjacent segment disease by not over-immobilizing healthy adjacent segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dynamic member with an elastomeric element that allows controlled motion at the adjacent spinal level. This dynamic component permits physiological movement while providing stabilization, contrasting with the static fusion at the diseased level and preventing the mobility loss that leads to adjacent segment disease.
2Reliability
If the adjacent spinal component is fully immobilized through fusion, then immediate stability is improved, but the partially diseased component degrades quicker due to loss of mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic member with elastomeric element provides controlled motion that maintains the health of the adjacent spinal component by preserving necessary mobility, thereby extending its lifespan and delaying degradation while still providing adequate stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the stabilization parameter from complete immobilization to controlled motion allowance. By adjusting the degree of freedom through the dynamic member, the system provides stability while maintaining physiological movement, preventing the accelerated degradation that occurs with over-immobilization.
3Strength
If a rigid spinal fusion construct is used, then mechanical strength is improved, but the natural motion and load distribution of the spine are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic member with elastomeric element allows the spinal construct to adapt to physiological loads by permitting controlled motion. This dynamic capability enables the adjacent segment to distribute loads naturally while the fused segment provides structural strength, maintaining both strength and adaptability.
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 dynamic stabilization system allows for controlled mobility at non-fusion levels, reducing the risk of adjacent segment disease by distributing loads and preventing over-translation, thus preserving spinal mobility and delaying the need for additional fusions.
Implementation Method 1
The dynamic member comprises a body and an elastomeric element coupled to at least one side of the body. One of the bone anchors allows translation of the spinal rod with respect to the bone anchor.
Implementation Method 2
The locking cap may have external threads that engage the internal threads of the collet. The collet may be capable of clamping to the spinal rod upon threaded advancement of the locking cap.
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic stabilization system may include an elongated spinal rod, at least two bone anchors attached to the elongated rod, and a dynamic member. One of the bone anchors allows translation of the spinal rod with respect to the bone anchor. The dynamic member comprises a body and an elastomeric element coupled to at least one side of the body. The body of the element is capable of being attached to the elongated spinal rod between the two bone anchors.