Expandable Interspinous Fixation Device for Minimal Distraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertebral fixation devices require significant manual effort and often necessitate substantial openings for insertion, making them complex and difficult to install, especially in scenarios where minimal distraction of the intervertebral space is required.
Innovation Solution
An expandable interspinous process fixation system that allows for insertion at a reduced height with adjustable endplates and sliding plates, enabling expansion to achieve an accurate anatomical fit, reducing the complexity of the procedure and eliminating the need for multiple implant sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fixation devices are used, then vertebral fixation can be achieved, but the procedure requires substantial openings for insertion and significant manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device utilizes a nested structure where the compression element is inserted within the body of the device, and the expansion mechanism is contained within the same structure. This nesting allows the device to be inserted through a smaller opening and then expanded in situ, reducing the required incision size and simplifying the insertion procedure while maintaining fixation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state after implantation. The compression element can be compressed to reduce device height for insertion, then expanded to provide the necessary fixation force. This dynamic transformation eliminates the need for substantial openings and reduces manual effort required during the procedure.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional fixation devices are dimensioned larger than distraction height to maintain height, then vertebral body distance is maintained, but installation becomes difficult in distracted intervertebral space
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-compressed to a reduced height that allows easy insertion into the distracted intervertebral space. After insertion, the compression element is expanded to achieve the final anatomical fit and maintain proper vertebral body distance. This preliminary compression action resolves the contradiction by allowing small insertion opening while achieving accurate final positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a dynamic compression element that can change height from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state after implantation. This dynamic capability allows the device to be inserted through a small opening in the distracted space and then expanded to maintain accurate anatomical fit and proper vertebral body distance.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple implant sizes are used to cover range of implant sizes, then accurate anatomical fit is achieved, but device complexity and number of variations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides a universal solution that can accommodate a range of implant sizes through the expandable compression element. A single device design can be adjusted to fit different anatomical requirements by varying the expansion degree, eliminating the need for multiple size variations while maintaining accurate anatomical fit across different patients and spinal regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable compression element provides dynamic adjustability that allows a single device to cover a range of implant sizes. The device can be expanded or compressed to match the specific anatomical requirements of each patient, providing universal applicability without requiring multiple fixed-size implant variations.
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 system simplifies the surgical process by allowing for precise anatomical fit without requiring significant distraction, reducing operating room time and simplifying the insertion of the fixation device.
Implementation Method 1
an expansion assembly positioned between the first and second endplates and configured to selectively cause the first and second endplates to move apart
Implementation Method 2
the compression element may be compressed to a reduced height that allows easy insertion of the device into the intervertebral space
Data Source
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AI summary
An expandable interspinous process fixation system capable of restoring spinal stability and facilitating fusion. In one embodiment, the expandable interspinous process fixation system includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. Each endplate supporting fixed and/or adjustable spinous process engaging plates.