Dynamic Spine Stabilization Device with Overhanging Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization devices fail to effectively address the increased neutral zone and instability in the spine, leading to inadequate support and potential degeneration at adjacent spinal levels, while also imposing significant load on pedicle screws, which can result in failure.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic spine stabilization device that includes dynamic elements positioned between and beyond laterally-spaced pedicle screws, utilizing springs and adjustable components to provide non-linear resistance, specifically increased resistance in the neutral zone to stabilize the spine and reduce load on pedicle screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional spinal stabilization devices are used, then spinal motion is restricted, but the neutral zone remains insufficiently stabilized leading to adjacent level degeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements including springs and friction-based interfaces that allow the device to adapt its stiffness characteristics. The friction interface between the dynamic element and pedicle screws provides variable resistance that is low during normal motion but increases during excessive motion, enabling the device to stabilize the neutral zone while preserving physiological range of motion.
2Reliability
If pedicle screws are used for spinal stabilization, then spinal fixation is achieved, but increased load on screws leads to potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic element as an intermediary component between the pedicle screws and the stabilizing mechanism. This dynamic element includes a friction interface that distributes and modulates the forces transmitted to the pedicle screws, reducing peak loads while maintaining reliable fixation through controlled frictional engagement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fusion surgery is performed, then spinal pain is relieved, but adjacent levels experience increased load and accelerated degeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of spinal stabilization by providing variable resistance rather than rigid fixation. The device maintains low stiffness during normal physiological motion to preserve adjacent level mechanics, but increases resistance in the neutral zone to prevent instability and pain, thereby protecting adjacent levels from accelerated degeneration.
4Stability of the object's composition
If dynamic stabilization elements are added beyond pedicle screw region, then spinal stabilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides friction-based stabilization, acts as a mechanical stop to limit range of motion, and distributes loads away from the pedicle screws. This multi-functionality achieves improved spinal stabilization without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 device effectively stabilizes the spine by providing adjustable resistance tailored to individual anatomy, reducing the load on pedicle screws and preventing degeneration at adjacent levels, thereby alleviating pain and maintaining spinal motion.
Implementation Method 1
The disclosed dynamic stabilization devices/systems include first and second resilient members, e.g., springs
Implementation Method 2
utilizing springs and adjustable components to provide non-linear resistance, specifically increased resistance in the neutral zone
Data Source
AI summary
Spine stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided in which a single resilient member or spring is disposed on an elongate element that spans two attachment members attached to different spinal vertebrae. The elongate element passes through at least one of the two attachment members, permitting relative motion therebetween, and terminates in a stop or abutment. A second resilient member is disposed on the elongate element on an opposite side of the sliding attachment member, e.g., in an overhanging orientation. The two resilient members are capable of applying mutually opposing urging forces, and a compressive preload can be applied to one or both of the resilient members.