Expandable Interspinous-Interlaminar Implants for Adjustable Distraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interspinous-interlaminar stabilization systems are invasive and lack an adjustable level of distraction between affected vertebrae, often interfering with multiple levels and failing to provide effective nerve root protection.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic implant system with a superior and inferior member, each having a living hinge portion, allowing independent movement in a superior-inferior direction to maintain spacing between spinous processes and laminae, and featuring a cavity for adjusting to vertebral movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional interspinous-interlaminar implants are used to maintain spacing between vertebrae, then nerve root protection is provided, but the treatment is invasive and requires larger incisions with longer recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into two separate members: a superior member that interfaces with the superior vertebra and an inferior member that interfaces with the inferior vertebra. These members are connected through a cavity that allows independent movement, enabling the implant to maintain spacing while reducing invasiveness through a minimally invasive delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant incorporates a dynamic cavity between the superior and inferior members that allows independent movement in response to vertebral motion. This dynamic design enables the implant to adapt to physiological movements while maintaining nerve root protection, reducing the need for overly invasive fixation.
2Reliability
If traditional implants are used to stabilize adjacent vertebrae, then spacing is maintained, but the level of distraction cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity connecting the superior and inferior members is designed to allow independent movement and expansion. This dynamic structure enables the implant to be expanded to different distraction levels after implantation, providing adjustability while maintaining reliable spacing between the vertebrae.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant allows for changes in the physical parameters of the cavity, specifically its volume and shape, which directly control the level of distraction between vertebrae. This enables adjustment of the spacing parameter to match the specific anatomical and pathological requirements of each patient.
3Reliability
If multiple adjacent vertebral levels are treated with traditional implants, then comprehensive stabilization is achieved, but the implants interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is segmented into superior and inferior members connected by a cavity, allowing each level to be treated independently. This segmentation enables multiple implants to be placed at adjacent vertebral levels without interference, as each implant operates autonomously within its own anatomical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity design allows movement in multiple dimensions, enabling the implant to accommodate adjacent level implants without mechanical interference. The superior-inferior movement capability of the cavity allows stacked implants at multiple levels to coexist without conflict.
4Reliability
If traditional implants are used to distract vertebrae, then nerve root compression is relieved, but the incision size and recovery time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with superior and inferior members allows the implant to be delivered through a minimally invasive approach, reducing incision size and associated tissue trauma while still achieving the necessary nerve root decompression through the cavity expansion mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic cavity allows the implant to be inserted in a compact state through a small incision and then expanded to the desired distraction level, minimizing the initial surgical trauma and reducing recovery time while maintaining effective nerve root decompression.
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 provides adjustable distraction, minimizes invasiveness, and allows for reliable placement with smaller incisions, reducing recovery time and enhancing nerve protection.
Implementation Method 1
The superior member may include a superior living hinge portion proximate the interconnecting member, the inferior member may include an inferior living hinge portion proximate the interconnecting member, and the superior living hinge portion and the inferior living hinge portion may enable a first distal portion of the superior member and a second distal portion of the inferior member to flex in response to movement of the adjacent superior vertebra and/or the adjacent inferior vertebra.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may be configured to maintain spacing between a superior spinous process and lamina, and an inferior spinous process and lamina, of an adjacent superior vertebra and an adjacent inferior vertebra. The system may include a dynamic implant having an implanted position. The dynamic implant may include an interconnecting member, a superior member that may face the superior lamina in the implanted position, and an inferior member that may face the inferior lamina in the implanted position. The dynamic implant may define a cavity between the superior member and the inferior member, the cavity may include an opening at a first distal end, and the cavity may allow independent movement of the superior member and the inferior member in a generally superior-inferior direction in response to movement of the adjacent superior vertebra and/or the adjacent inferior vertebra.