Flexible Spine Fixing Structure for Dynamic Vertebral Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spine fixation methods result in loss of mobility, leading to discomfort and degeneration, as they restrict the natural movement of vertebras, causing them to fuse and lose flexibility over time.
Innovation Solution
A flexible spine fixing structure comprising joint elements with protrusions and flanges, and flexible elements made of materials like metal or polymers, allowing for movement and maintaining spinal mobility by enabling vertebras to bend and rotate without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid fixing plates and screws are used to fix vertebras, then the stability and fixation strength is improved, but the mobility of the spine is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a static rigid fixation system to a dynamic flexible fixation system. The flexible element (rod or cable) can deform and adapt to the natural movement of vertebras, allowing the spine to maintain mobility while still providing fixation. The flexible element bends and flexes with spinal motion, creating a dynamic connection between vertebras rather than a rigid locked connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly applies this principle by using a flexible element (rod or cable) made of flexible materials to replace rigid fixing plates and screws. The flexible element can be bent and shaped to conform to the spinal curvature and allows for controlled movement between vertebras. This flexible component provides fixation while preserving the natural range of motion of the spine.
2Stability of the object's composition
If vertebras are fixed rigidly for a long time, then the fixation stability is improved, but the vertebras gradually fuse and lose mobility forever
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible fixation system creates a dynamic connection that moves with the spine, preventing the rigid immobilization that leads to fusion. By allowing controlled movement and flexibility in the fixation system, the natural physiological motion of vertebras is preserved, preventing adaptive fusion while maintaining adequate fixation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the fixation system from rigid (high stiffness) to flexible (low stiffness). This parameter change allows the fixation system to accommodate spinal motion and prevent the conditions that lead to vertebral fusion, while still providing sufficient stability for healing.
3Reliability
If conventional fixing methods are used, then the initial fixation effect is improved, but long-term spinal degeneration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible element provides a compliant fixation that moves with the spine, preventing the stress concentration and abnormal loading patterns that occur with rigid fixation. This reduces the harmful mechanical stresses on surrounding tissues and adjacent vertebras, preventing accelerated degeneration while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic flexible fixation system allows for physiological motion that distributes stresses more evenly across the spinal column. This prevents the abnormal stress concentrations and mechanical imbalances that lead to adjacent segment degeneration, while maintaining adequate fixation reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible spine fixing structure includes a first flexible element and a second flexible element. The first flexible element includes a first flexible part, a first fixing part and a second fixing part. The first fixing part and the second fixing part are respectively connected to two ends of the first flexible part and used for fixing to a first vertebra, and the first flexible part includes a first through hole and a second through hole. The second flexible element includes a second flexible part, a third fixing part and a fourth fixing part. The third fixing part and the fourth fixing part are respectively connected to two ends of the second flexible part and used for fixing to a second vertebra. The second flexible part is disposed by penetrating through the first through hole and the second through hole.