Hinge-Link Spinal Stabilizer for Cord Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stabilizing and manipulating the spine during vertebral column resection surgeries lack fine control, leading to risks of compression, distraction, or translation of the spinal cord, making them ineffective and risky for achieving desired spinal configurations.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizer assembly comprising a hinge with rod-bearing leaves providing coronal or sagittal freedom of movement, coupled with stabilizing rods and monoaxial or polyaxial links, which can be locked at desired angles and positions to prevent spinal cord compression, distraction, or translation, using screws, adjustment nuts, and locking pins for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art stabilization methods are used during vertebral column resection, then the spine can be stabilized, but fine control is lacking leading to risks of compression, distraction, or translation of the spinal cord
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic linkage mechanism with adjustable degrees of freedom that transitions from mobile to locked states. The linkage includes adjustable links with degrees of freedom that can be locked at specific positions using set screws, enabling precise control of spinal manipulation while maintaining stability during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of link lengths and connection points along the spinal rods, changing the geometric parameters of the linkage system. This enables fine-tuning of the stabilization characteristics to match specific surgical requirements and spinal configurations, providing precise control over manipulation forces.
2Manufacturing precision
If the spine is manipulated into desired configuration during VCR, then spinal correction is achieved, but compression, distraction, or translation of the spinal cord may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The surgeon can observe spinal alignment in real-time and adjust the linkage positions accordingly. The adjustable links with locking mechanisms provide incremental control, allowing the surgeon to make small adjustments and lock them in place, creating a feedback-controlled manipulation process that prevents excessive forces on the spinal cord.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile-to-locked transition of the linkage provides controlled motion during manipulation, then locks to maintain the achieved configuration. This dynamic capability allows precise positioning while preventing unintended movement that could harm the spinal cord.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stabilization and manipulation steps are performed during spinal correction, then the spine can be repositioned, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism serves multiple functions: it stabilizes the spine, enables manipulation, maintains configuration, and allows repositioning. The same adjustable links and locking mechanisms are used throughout all phases of the procedure, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the manipulation task into independent adjustable links that can be controlled separately. Each link can be adjusted and locked independently, allowing complex spinal corrections to be achieved through simple, modular adjustments rather than complex coordinated 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 stabilizer assembly effectively stabilizes the spine, allowing precise manipulation and fixation to prevent spinal cord complications during surgeries, reducing the risks associated with vertebral resection and enabling safer spinal corrections.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge including: a first rod-bearing leaf; a second rod-bearing leaf rotatably coupled to the first rod-bearing leaf to provide coronal or sagittal freedom of movement
Implementation Method 2
a locking mechanism to lock the first rod-bearing leaf and the second rod-bearing leaf at a desired angle
Implementation Method 3
using screws, adjustment nuts, and locking pins for secure fixation
Data Source
AI summary
A device for spinal correction includes a stabilizer assembly including a hinge including a first rod-bearing leaf; a second rod-bearing leaf rotatably coupled to the first rod-bearing leaf to provide coronal or sagittal freedom of movement, or both, of the stabilizer assembly; a locking mechanism to lock the first and second rod-bearing leaves at a desired angle; a first stabilizing rod coupled to the first rod-bearing leaf; a second stabilizing rod coupled to the second rod-bearing leaf; and a plurality of monoaxial or polyaxial links, wherein each monoaxial or polyaxial link is movably coupled to the first or second stabilizing rod and is movably couplable to a first spinal rod or a second spinal rod fixed to the spine; wherein the stabilizer assembly is couplable to the first or second spinal rod to stabilize the spine to prevent compression, distraction, or translation of the spinal cord during a spinal correction.