Interlaminar Spinal Stabilization with Adjustable Cross-Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization systems fail to provide comprehensive stability to the spinal column, as they primarily focus on stabilizing adjacent vertebrae without addressing the instability in the remaining portions of the spinal column, and do not effectively manage 'transition syndrome' or enhance existing spinal hardware for improved stability and intervertebral distraction.
Innovation Solution
A spinal stabilization system comprising interlaminar members and a support structure that extends above and below the adjacent vertebrae, with adjustable cross-linking members and blocking elements to prevent nerve compression, providing overall stability and flexibility to the spinal column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If interspinous or intra-laminar spacers are inserted between adjacent vertebrae to control relative motion, then stabilization of the two vertebrae is achieved, but the remaining portions of the spinal column remain subject to unstable motion
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system is divided into multiple independent stabilizing elements that can be positioned at different levels of the spinal column. Each element stabilizes its specific vertebral level while the collective arrangement provides comprehensive spinal stability, resolving the contradiction between localized stabilization and overall column stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing elements extend beyond the immediate adjacent vertebrae to engage with vertebrae at multiple levels (above and below the target level). This dimensional extension transforms a localized two-vertebra stabilization into a multi-level stabilization system, providing both local and overall spinal stability simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fusion techniques using bone grafts or synthetic implants are used to fuse vertebrae, then spinal stability is improved, but vertebral range of motion is significantly altered and the procedure is irreversible
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing elements are designed to provide dynamic stabilization rather than rigid fusion. They maintain spinal stability while allowing controlled range of motion through their mechanical design, which can accommodate physiological movement. This dynamic approach preserves adaptability and reversibility compared to irreversible fusion techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the stabilization parameter from complete rigid fusion to controlled dynamic stabilization. By adjusting the degree of stabilization and range of motion allowed, the system achieves spinal stability while preserving vertebral adaptability and reversibility, avoiding the permanent motion loss associated with fusion.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pedicle screw systems are installed to fixate vertebrae, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but the procedure is intricate, time consuming and highly invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for complex pedicle screw systems by using simpler interspinous or intra-laminar stabilizing elements. These elements can be inserted through less invasive approaches without requiring intricate screw fixation, thereby reducing surgical complexity and invasiveness while maintaining stabilization efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing elements are designed as simpler, potentially disposable components that replace complex reusable pedicle screw systems. This simplification reduces surgical time, complexity, and invasiveness while achieving the necessary vertebral fixation and stabilization.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices configured according to Samani's disclosure are attached at adjacent segments, then flexible positioning of adjacent vertebrae is achieved, but interference of the bracket portions prevents easy attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing elements are segmented into modular components that can be independently positioned and attached at different spinal levels. This segmentation eliminates interference between adjacent devices while preserving flexible positioning capabilities, as each module can be installed independently without bracket interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal stabilization system is provided for maintaining preselected spacing and movement between adjacent vertebrae in a spinal column and for providing overall stability thereto. The system includes interlaminar members positioned in the spaces intermediate a first vertebra and the vertebrae positioned immediately above and immediately below and adjacent to the first vertebra. The interlaminar members are operatively connected to one another by an adjustable support structure and cooperate therewith to maintain the preselected spacing between adjacent vertebrae and to provide overall stability to the spinal column.