External Magnetic Adjustment for Controlled Bone Distraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for scoliosis, such as fusion surgery and bracing, have limitations including hardware complications, patient compliance issues, and long-term mobility restrictions. Additionally, existing distraction osteogenesis methods using external fixators are cumbersome and painful, while intramedullary distraction nails can be uncontrolled and complex.
Innovation Solution
An external adjustment device featuring a motor-driven permanent magnet system, allowing for controlled rotation and adjustment of implanted magnets within the body, thereby facilitating controlled distraction or lengthening of bones without the need for multiple surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fusion surgery is performed to treat scoliosis, then spinal stability is improved, but patient mobility is restricted and hardware complications occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic external adjustment device that allows non-surgical modification of the distraction device parameters. The device includes an external adjustment mechanism that can change the distraction force and angle dynamically, enabling the spine to maintain stability while preserving natural movement and avoiding permanent fusion restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the permanent mechanical fusion system (rods and screws) with a magnetic field-based adjustment system. The external adjustment device uses magnetic fields to interact with the implanted distraction device, eliminating the need for additional hardware and allowing mobility while maintaining spinal stability through controlled magnetic forces.
2Length of moving object
If external fixators are used for distraction osteogenesis, then bone lengthening is achieved, but the device is cumbersome and causes patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cumbersome mechanical external fixator system with a magnetic field-based external adjustment device. The external device uses magnetic forces to act on the implanted distraction device, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical structures and pin penetrations, thereby achieving bone lengthening while significantly improving patient comfort and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the external adjustment device and the implanted distraction device. This magnetic intermediary allows force transmission without direct mechanical contact, eliminating the need for cumbersome external fixator structures and improving patient comfort while achieving the desired bone lengthening.
3Length of moving object
If intramedullary distraction nails are used, then bone lengthening is achieved, but the system becomes complex and control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex control mechanism from the intramedullary distraction nail and relocates it to an external adjustment device. The implanted component becomes a simple passive magnetic target, while the active control system resides externally, simplifying the implanted hardware and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise control over bone lengthening.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical control system of intramedullary distraction nails with a magnetic field-based control system. The external adjustment device uses magnetic fields to control the distraction process, eliminating complex mechanical linkages and control mechanisms from the implanted device, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining precise control over bone lengthening.
4Length of moving object
If multiple surgeries are performed for distraction device adjustment, then bone lengthening is achieved, but patient recovery time increases and complication risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a preliminary adjustment mechanism during the initial implantation surgery that allows all future adjustments to be made externally without returning to the operating room. The distraction device is pre-configured with external adjustment capabilities, enabling all subsequent bone lengthening adjustments to be performed as simple outpatient procedures, thereby eliminating repeated surgical interventions and reducing total recovery time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the patient or clinician to perform adjustments independently without surgical intervention. The external adjustment device allows the distraction parameters to be modified at any time through simple external manipulation, eliminating the need for repeated surgeries and associated recovery periods while continuing to achieve the desired bone lengthening.
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 enables precise and controlled bone lengthening, reducing the risk of complications associated with existing methods, such as hardware-related issues and multiple surgeries, while improving patient comfort and mobility outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a first permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis... a motor configured for rotating the at least one permanent magnet about the axis
Implementation Method 2
The external adjustment device includes a motor mounted inside the first handle... The first button is configured to actuate the motor causing the at least one permanent magnet to rotate about the axis
Data Source
AI summary
An external adjustment device includes at least one permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis with a first handle extending linearly at a first end of the device and a second handle at a second end of the device, the second handle extending in a direction substantially off axis to the first handle. The external adjustment device further includes a motor mounted inside the first handle and a first button located in the proximity to one of the first handle or the second handle, the first button configured to be operated by the thumb of a hand that grips the one of the first handle or second handle. The first button is configured to actuate the motor causing the at least one permanent magnet to rotate about the axis in a first direction.