Flexible Spinal Extension Elements for Misaligned Vertebrae
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation systems face challenges in minimally invasive procedures due to rigid extension elements that limit access and alignment, making it difficult to place spinal fixation rods in complex spinal constructs, especially when vertebrae are out of alignment or have varying heights, and these systems often complicate the surgical site with additional components.
Innovation Solution
A spinal implant with flexible elongated extension elements that can be bent or twisted without breaking, allowing for better access and alignment of spinal fixation elements, and a locking mechanism that stabilizes the rod between these elements, keeping soft tissue away from the surgical site and providing a clear pathway for rod placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid extension elements are used in minimally invasive spinal fixation systems, then the structural stability and support are improved, but the ease of operation and alignment become worsened due to limited access and inability to accommodate misaligned vertebrae
Solution Approach 1:
The extension element transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can bend and adapt its shape. The flexible extension element can be bent to various angles and configurations to accommodate misaligned vertebrae and varying bone anchor heights, while maintaining structural stability through its material properties and design.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical properties of the extension element are changed from rigid to flexible by selecting appropriate materials (such as shape memory alloys or elastic polymers) and designing specific geometries. This parameter change allows the extension element to deform under load or during insertion, enabling alignment adjustments while maintaining sufficient structural support.
2Measurement precision
If rigid extension elements are used to control the bone anchor head, then the positioning control is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The extension element is integrated directly with the bone anchor head, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms or additional components. The flexible extension element serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables positioning control through its flexible nature, and simplifies the overall device architecture by combining functions that would otherwise require separate elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bone anchors are inserted at different positions and heights, then the adaptability to complex spinal constructs is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in aligning the spinal rod with all anchors
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible extension elements attached to each bone anchor can be independently bent and positioned to accommodate varying anchor heights and locations. This dynamic adaptability allows the spinal rod to be aligned with all anchors even when they are not in a straight line, simplifying rod placement in complex spinal constructs with multiple vertebrae at different positions.
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
Enables controlled and efficient placement of spinal fixation elements, reducing procedural complexity and time by allowing for better access and alignment, even in complex spinal constructs, while minimizing soft tissue interference and simplifying the surgical site.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the elongated extension elements is flexible. As used herein, flexible refers to elements that are capable of being bent, flexed or twisted without unintentionally breaking.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal implant with at least one flexible elongated extension element is provided. The spinal implant has a profile that is lower than standard spinal implants. The spinal implant includes a bone anchor with a head portion and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. A head plate is coupled to the bone anchor. The head plate includes a first elongated extension element and a second elongated extension element. The first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element may be formed as a single monolithic element that is attached to the head plate by passing through a pair of openings provided on the head plate. At least one of the first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element is flexible.