Hinge-Link Spinal Correction Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stabilizing and correcting spinal deformities during vertebral column resection are risky due to lack of fine control over initial stabilization, stabilization, and long-term fixation, leading to potential compression, distraction, or translation of the spinal cord.
Innovation Solution
A device with a stabilizer assembly including a hinge providing coronal or sagittal freedom of movement, locking mechanisms, and monoaxial or polyaxial links to stabilize the spine, preventing compression, distraction, or translation of the spinal cord during spinal correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid stabilization methods are used during vertebral column resection, then spinal stability is improved, but the risk of spinal cord compression, distraction, or translation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer assembly incorporates a hinge mechanism that transitions from a locked rigid state during stabilization to an unlocked movable state during manipulation, and back to locked state for long-term fixation. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to provide rigid stability when needed while permitting controlled movement when spinal cord safety requires flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the degree of freedom parameter of the stabilizer assembly by unlocking the hinge during manipulation phases to allow movement, and locking it during stabilization and long-term fixation phases to provide rigidity. This parameter change enables the system to adapt its mechanical properties to different surgical phases, reducing spinal cord risk during manipulation while maintaining stability during fixation.
2Measurement precision
If fine control mechanisms are added to the stabilizer assembly, then control precision over spinal stabilization and manipulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a hinge mechanism with rod-bearing leaves for controlled movement, locking mechanisms for securing positions, and links for connection to spinal rods. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with precision while maintaining overall system manageability and avoiding excessive complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the stabilizer assembly allows freedom of movement during manipulation, then spinal cord safety is improved, but stabilization effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on surgical phase requirements. During manipulation phases, the hinge is unlocked to allow freedom of movement, reducing spinal cord injury risk. During stabilization and long-term fixation phases, the hinge is locked to provide rigid stabilization, ensuring stabilization effectiveness. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between movement freedom and stabilization effectiveness.
4Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are implemented, then long-term fixation reliability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanisms are designed to be self-securing through threaded fasteners that automatically maintain locked positions without requiring continuous active control. Once locked, the mechanisms self-maintain the stabilized configuration, providing long-term fixation reliability while requiring minimal operational intervention during and after the procedure.
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 device effectively stabilizes the spine, reducing the risk of spinal cord injury by allowing controlled movement and fixation, enhancing the safety and efficiency of spinal correction procedures.
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
a first stabilizing rod coupled to the first rod-bearing leaf; a second stabilizing rod coupled to the second rod-bearing leaf; wherein the stabilizer assembly is couplable to the first spinal rod or to the second spinal rod to stabilize the spine to prevent compression, distraction, or translation of the spinal cord
Data Source
AI summary
A uniplanar clamp hinge for spinal surgery comprising a dual-axis hinge comprising a first hinge-rod-bearing leaf, a second hinge-rod-bearing leaf rotationally coupled to the first hinge-rod-bearing leaf, a first hinge-rod coupled to the first hinge-rod-bearing leaf, a second hinge-rod coupled to the second-hinge-rod-bearing leaf, and first and second locking screws to lock the first and second hinge-rods at a desired angle; a first uniplanar clamp movably coupled to the first hinge-rod and a second uniplanar clamp movably coupled to the second hinge-rod; a stabilizing rod movably coupled to the first uniplanar clamp and the second uniplanar clamp; a first provisional spine rod movably coupled to the first unipolar clamp and a second provisional spine rod movably coupled to the second uniplanar clamp; and a first reduction rod holder couplable to the first provisional spine rod and a second reduction rod holder couplable to the second provisional spine rod.