Four-Wing Interspinous Fixation Implant for Secure Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interspinous stabilization devices are not effectively secured to spinal processes, leading to potential implant detachment and inadequate spinal stabilization, and existing surgical methods like spinal fusion are invasive and irreversible.
Innovation Solution
An interspinous stabilization device with a central connection portion and four side wings, featuring through holes and a bonding mechanism, allowing secure fixation to spinal processes using tethers through thread holes and through holes in the side wings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a soft interspinous implant with bilateral dual-wing structure is used, then the implant fits well between two adjacent spinal processes, but the implant is secured by two tethers which is less effective in securing the implant
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple functional components: a central body portion with thread holes for tethers, and multiple wing portions (first, second, third, fourth wings) with through holes for additional tethers. This segmentation allows different parts to perform different functions - the central body provides structural connection while the wings provide lateral anchoring, improving overall securing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a simple bilateral dual-wing structure to a four-wing configuration with tethers extending in multiple directions. The first and second wings extend in one direction while the third and fourth wings extend in an opposite direction, creating a three-dimensional anchoring system that secures the implant more effectively against detachment.
2Reliability
If spinal fusion is performed to treat spine conditions, then severe symptoms can be alleviated, but the surgery is invasive and irreversible
Solution Approach 1:
The interspinous stabilization device acts as an intermediary implant placed between adjacent spinal processes to provide stabilization. Instead of performing invasive spinal fusion that permanently merges vertebrae, this device serves as a temporary or permanent mediator that alleviates symptoms through mechanical stabilization without irreversible anatomical changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from surgical fusion (permanent anatomical change) to implant stabilization (mechanical support). The device can be made of biocompatible materials that allow for potential removal or integration, changing the parameter of irreversibility from fusion to a more flexible stabilization solution.
3Strength
If a hard interspinous implant is used, then structural support is provided, but stress concentration on spinal processes may cause fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The implant exhibits local quality variations through its multi-wing structure where each wing can be optimized for specific functions. The wing portions can have different thicknesses or material properties compared to the central body, allowing stress distribution across different regions while maintaining overall structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The interspinous stabilization device can utilize composite materials that combine the strength of rigid materials with the stress-distributing properties of more compliant materials. This allows the implant to provide structural support while reducing stress concentration on spinal processes, preventing fractures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided herein is an interspinous stabilization device, including: a central connection portion, a first side wing, a second side wing, a third side wing, and a fourth side wing. The first side wing extends from the central connection portion in a first direction. The second side wing extends from the central connection portion in the first direction. The third side wing extends from the central connection portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The fourth side wing extends from the central connection portion in the second direction. The central connection portion has at least one thread hole. The thread hole extends in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The first side wing, the second side wing, the third side wing, and the fourth side wing each have a through hole.