Flexible Spinal Distraction Implant with Elastic Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for treating spinal disc injuries and fractures often result in bony fusion and require complex, invasive surgical procedures, leading to high morbidity and limited mobility due to the use of multiple spinal column elements.
Innovation Solution
A flexible distraction implant system comprising an elastic member, anchor members, and flexible tension members made from materials like titanium alloys or UHMWPE fibers, which applies distraction force without inducing bending or torsion moments, allowing for reduced stress on the bone interface and maintaining movement between anchor points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plates and screws are used for fracture fixation, then mechanical grip and stabilization are achieved, but bony fusion occurs and spinal mobility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible tension members (cables or bands) instead of rigid plates and screws. These flexible members can be tensioned to provide stabilization while allowing controlled motion between vertebrae, preventing bony fusion and preserving spinal mobility. The flexibility of these members enables them to adapt to physiological movements while maintaining mechanical support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the fixation system by using elastic members with specific modulus of elasticity values and flexible tension members with adjustable tension. This allows the system to provide sufficient stabilization force while permitting controlled ranges of motion, thereby maintaining spinal mobility unlike rigid fixation systems that cause fusion.
2Strength
If multiple spinal column elements are used for fixation, then sufficient mechanical grip is achieved, but surgical complexity and morbidity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of stabilization from complex multi-element fixation systems and implements it through simpler anchor members connected by flexible tension members. This reduces the number of components and surgical steps while maintaining adequate mechanical grip through strategic anchoring in the vertebral bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies fixation elements locally at specific anchor points within the vertebral bodies rather than using multiple elements across several vertebrae. The anchor members are positioned to engage the bone structure at optimal locations, providing sufficient mechanical grip with minimal invasiveness and reduced surgical complexity.
3Reliability
If rigid fixation devices are used, then stable fixation is achieved, but stress on the bone interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible tension members that can elongate and deform under load, distributing stresses more evenly across the bone interface. This flexibility reduces peak stresses and prevents stress concentration that occurs with rigid fixation devices, thereby protecting the bone interface while maintaining fixation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic, flexible components rather than static rigid structures. The flexible tension members can adapt their stiffness and deformation characteristics in response to applied loads, allowing the system to maintain stable fixation while dynamically adjusting to reduce stress concentrations at the bone interface during physiological movements.
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 less invasive and more robust stabilization of spinal segments, reducing stress on the bone interface and allowing for movement, thereby facilitating healing while minimizing the need for extensive surgical intervention and preserving natural spinal mobility.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member... The elastic member includes two terminal regions, with a flexible tension member connecting each terminal region to an anchor member
Implementation Method 2
applies a distraction force to the anchor members via the two flexible tension members situated between the elastic member and the two anchor members
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are distraction implants for treating, for example, spinal disorders. The implants can be comprised of a U-shaped elastic member, two bone anchor members and two tension members to couple the components together. Use of the tension members allows for transfer of distraction force without unintended forces in the perpendicular plane and parasitic moments. As there are several options for anchoring to bone, the present implants can be applied to all segments of the spine from the cervical spine to the lumbar regions. The implant can be temporary or permanent, covering indications from fracture treatment to management of chronic disc disorders, including disc protrusion. Use of the present implant and methods of use are also within the scope of the invention.