Elastic Vertebral Stabilization Connecting Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vertebral column stabilization systems fail to effectively transmit both tensile and compressive forces and are often complex, costly, and difficult to implant, with existing elastic systems lacking resistance to buckling and requiring multiple components or invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A vertebral column implant featuring an elastically bendable connecting element made of biocompatible plastic, capable of transmitting forces through bone screws with offset axes, providing adjustable stiffness and resistance to buckling, and allowing for simple and cost-effective implantation without additional small parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If elastic stabilization systems are used to avoid fusion, then patient mobility is preserved, but the systems lack resistance to buckling and cannot transmit compressive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element combines a polymeric base material with embedded metal wires or fibers, creating a composite structure that provides both elasticity for movement preservation and metal reinforcement for buckling resistance and compressive force transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer material is subjected to specific processing conditions (temperature, pressure, time) to achieve desired mechanical properties including elastic modulus, tensile strength, and compression resistance, allowing customization of the connecting element's mechanical behavior
2Strength
If complex elastic systems with multiple components are used, then force transmission capability is improved, but production costs and implantation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (elasticity, compression resistance, tension resistance, buckling resistance) that previously required separate components are integrated into a single connecting element with composite construction, reducing the number of parts and simplifying implantation
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing elastic stabilization, transmitting compressive and tensile forces, resisting buckling, and accommodating offset screw positions, all within a single component
3Reliability
If locking caps are used to fasten the connecting element to the pedicle screw, then connection security is improved, but ease of operation during implantation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element features self-retaining characteristics through its composite structure and geometric design, allowing it to maintain secure connection without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex assembly steps during implantation
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 implant effectively stabilizes the vertebral column by transmitting forces through a single connecting element, reducing pain and avoiding fusion, while minimizing production costs and simplifying the implantation process, with adjustable stiffness for localized stabilization effects.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic connecting element which, owing to the local, maximally allowable cross-sections, achieves sufficient shear strength, tensile strength, compressive strength, and resistance to buckling
Implementation Method 2
an elastic connecting element which, owing to the local, maximally allowable cross-sections, achieves sufficient shear strength, tensile strength, compressive strength, and resistance to buckling
Implementation Method 3
an elastic connecting element which, owing to the local, maximally allowable cross-sections, achieves sufficient shear strength, tensile strength, compressive strength, and resistance to buckling
Data Source
AI summary
A vertebral column implant for the elastic stabilization of motion segments including an elastically bendable connecting element which can be passed through the seats of a number of pedicle screws having offset seat axes and be anchored. The connecting element is bendable elastically about every axis of its cross-section in such a way that the connecting element can be passed through, or inserted in, the seats of the screwheads, one behind the other, even when the seats are not situated on one and the same axis.