Dynamic Vertebral Construct with Flexible Resistance Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical treatments for spinal disorders, such as degenerative disc disease and osteoporosis, often fail to provide adequate stability and mobility while reducing stress on spinal elements, leading to persistent pain and mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic vertebral construct featuring a longitudinal element with spacers and a flexible resistance element, allowing for flexion, extension, and lateral motion, which is attached to vertebrae using pedicle screws and tensioned by caps, providing selective and controlled damping to stabilize the spine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid rods are fastened to vertebral members to provide stability, then spinal stability is improved, but mobility and stress reduction on spinal elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static rigid rods with a dynamic construct comprising a flexible element (such as a spring or elastomeric material) that can adapt to physiological movements. The flexible element allows the construct to dynamically respond to spinal motion, providing stability while accommodating flexion, extension, and lateral bending movements that occur during normal spinal function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by incorporating a flexible element with specific mechanical properties (elastic modulus, damping characteristics) that can be adjusted to achieve optimal balance between stability and mobility. The flexible element's ability to change its mechanical response based on loading conditions allows the construct to provide rigid support when needed while permitting physiological motion during normal activity.
2Strength
If rigid spacers are used to maintain vertebral spacing, then structural support is improved, but shock absorption and stress distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using a flexible element with elastomeric or spring-like characteristics that can deform under load. This flexible component acts as a cushion between vertebral members, absorbing shock and distributing stresses while maintaining the necessary spacing and structural support. The flexible nature of this element allows it to conform to varying loads and protect spinal elements from harmful stress concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating a flexible, shock-absorbing element that is pre-configured to cushion against upcoming mechanical loads. This flexible element is positioned between vertebral members to anticipate and absorb impact forces before they reach the spinal elements, thereby protecting against harmful stresses while maintaining structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible elements are added to allow motion, then mobility is improved, but stability and control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by utilizing the inherent mechanical feedback properties of the flexible element, which provides resistance to motion proportional to the displacement and loading conditions. As the spinal construct moves, the flexible element generates restoring forces that automatically regulate the motion, providing stability through passive mechanical feedback without requiring active control systems. This feedback mechanism ensures that mobility is maintained while preventing excessive or uncontrolled movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials by combining rigid components (vertebral members, fixation elements) with flexible components (elastomeric materials, springs) to create a composite construct. This composite structure integrates the stability-providing rigid elements with the motion-enabling flexible elements, allowing the system to simultaneously achieve both stability and controlled mobility through the synergistic interaction of different material properties.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are assembled to provide dynamic stabilization, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple functional components (fixation elements, flexible elements, spacers) into a unified dynamic construct that works as a cohesive system. Rather than treating these as separate assemblies, the design merges their functions so that the flexible element inherently provides both spacing and shock absorption, while the fixation elements simultaneously secure the construct and allow controlled motion, thereby reducing operational complexity despite the multi-component nature of the device.
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 vertebral construct enhances spinal stability, reduces stress on spinal elements, and allows for controlled movement, effectively alleviating pain and promoting healing in patients with spinal disorders.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible element is disposed about the longitudinal element and between the first spacer and the second spacer. The flexible element defines a central axis offset from the central axis of the longitudinal element.
Implementation Method 2
A flexible element is disposed about the longitudinal element and between the first spacer and the second spacer
Data Source
AI summary
A vertebral construct comprises a longitudinal element extending between a first end and a second end. The longitudinal element defines a central axis. A first spacer is mounted to the longitudinal element. A second spacer is mounted to the longitudinal element. A flexible element is disposed about the longitudinal element and between the first spacer and the second spacer. The flexible element defines a central axis offset from the central axis of the longitudinal element. Methods of use are disclosed.