Hinge-Link Spinal Stabilizer for Controlled VCR Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods and systems for stabilizing, manipulating, and fixing a deformed spine during vertebral column resection (VCR) are ineffective and risky, failing to prevent compression, distraction, or translation of the spinal cord.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizer assembly with a hinge mechanism, rod-bearing leaves, stabilizing rods, and polyaxial or monoaxial links that allow for coronal, sagittal, and longitudinal freedom of movement, coupled with locking mechanisms to stabilize the spine and prevent spinal cord compression, distraction, or translation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid stabilization methods are used to fix the spine during VCR, then stabilization is achieved, 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 mobile state during manipulation to a locked state during stabilization. The hinge allows dynamic adjustment between these states, enabling the system to provide stabilization while preventing harmful forces on the spinal cord through its ability to accommodate controlled movement and then lock into position.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary element between the stabilizing rods and the spinal cord. It mediates the forces transmitted through the rods, allowing controlled manipulation while preventing direct transmission of harmful compression, distraction, or translation forces to the spinal cord by providing a controlled articulation point.
2Reliability
If fine control of stabilization is implemented during VCR, then the risk of spinal cord injury is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the hinge mechanism with rod-bearing leaves, the stabilizing rods, and the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, providing fine control over stabilization while organizing complexity into manageable, modular units that can be controlled separately.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge allows freedom of movement for manipulation, then spinal configuration adjustment is enabled, but stabilization precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism dynamically transitions between mobile and locked states. During manipulation, the hinge remains mobile to allow freedom of movement for adjusting spinal configuration. During stabilization, the hinge locks into position to provide precise fixation. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between adaptability and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is preliminarily positioned to allow freedom of movement during the manipulation phase, enabling spinal configuration adjustment. Once the desired configuration is achieved, the locking mechanism is activated to preliminarily secure the hinge in position, ensuring precise fixation for long-term stabilization.
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 provides precise control and stabilization of the spine during VCR, reducing the risk of spinal cord injury by allowing controlled manipulation and fixation without compression, distraction, or translation.
Implementation Method 1
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
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.