Interspinous Fixation Implant with Modular Segmented Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization devices add bulk to the lateral aspect of the spine, limit access to the pars and transverse processes, and are difficult to extend for multi-level fusion, making them cumbersome and time-consuming to use.
Innovation Solution
An implantable assembly featuring elongated components arranged opposite and parallel to each other, with a hub spacer that fits transversely through the interspinous ligament to stabilize adjacent spinous processes, allowing for secure attachment without adding bulk and enabling easy access for decortication and bone graft placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rod fixation systems are used for spinal stabilization, then vertebral fusion is achieved, but bulk is added to the lateral aspect of the spine and access to the pars and transverse processes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into multiple modular components including individual vertebrae fixation elements that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows surgeons to access and treat specific vertebral levels without being constrained by a continuous rod structure, thereby improving access to the pars and transverse processes while maintaining fusion reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from lateral rod fixation to a more centralized fixation approach that positions components in a different spatial dimension relative to the spine. By moving the fixation elements to a position that does not laterally protrude, the system eliminates the bulk problem while maintaining mechanical stability for vertebral fusion
2Adaptability or versatility
If rod fixation systems are extended to multiple levels, then multi-level fusion is achieved, but the system becomes complex and time-consuming to use
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system uses identical modular units for each vertebral level, where each unit can be independently implanted and secured. This eliminates the need for complex rod contouring and multiple connection points, simplifying the overall system while enabling easy extension to any number of vertebral levels through replication of the basic modular unit
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows surgeons to implant exactly the number of fixation units needed for the specific clinical case, without requiring a continuous fixation system spanning more levels than necessary. This reduces overall system complexity and surgical time while maintaining the capability for multi-level fusion when clinically indicated
3Reliability
If lateral rod fixation is used, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but the center of the spinal canal remains completely exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation elements are repositioned from a lateral location to a more centralized position relative to the spinal canal. This dimensional repositioning allows the fixation components to provide stabilization while simultaneously offering protection or coverage to the previously exposed dural sac and neural elements, eliminating the harmful exposure effect
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable assembly for stabilization of two adjacent spinous processes in a spinal column includes an elongated first component extending along a first axis, an elongated second component extending along a second axis, a hub spacer, means for inserting and securing the hub spacer transversely through the interspinous ligament separating the first and second spinous processes and means for clamping and securing first and second spinous processes of first and second adjacent vertebras, respectively, between the first and second components. The first and second components are arranged opposite and parallel to each other and are separated by the hub spacer.