Interspinous-interlaminar stabilization systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interspinous-interlaminar stabilization systems are invasive and lack an adjustable level of distraction between affected vertebrae, often interfering with each other when applied to multiple levels.
Innovation Solution
A system with an implant that maintains spacing between spinous processes and laminae using a threaded member to rotate into a deployed configuration, featuring superior and inferior wings and living hinges, allowing adjustable distraction and minimally invasive insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional interspinous-interlaminar implants are used to maintain spacing between vertebrae, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but the procedure requires large incisions and causes significant tissue trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The implant utilizes a thin, flexible body that can be inserted through a minimally invasive path between the spinous process and lamina. The flexible construction allows the implant to navigate the confined anatomical space without requiring large incisions or causing significant tissue disruption, while still providing effective stabilization when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is designed with a nested structure where the distal portion is contained within the proximal portion during insertion. This nested configuration allows the implant to pass through a small incision in a compact form, then expand to its functional configuration once positioned, minimizing tissue trauma while maintaining stabilization capability
2Reliability
If existing implants are applied to multiple adjacent vertebral levels, then comprehensive stabilization is achieved, but the implants interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed as a segmented structure with distinct proximal and distal portions that can be independently positioned. The superior and inferior wings are separable elements that can be oriented to fit within the available space at each vertebral level, allowing multiple implants to be placed at adjacent levels without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The implant utilizes the third dimension by positioning superior wings in a superior direction and inferior wings in an inferior direction, creating a three-dimensional configuration that optimizes space utilization. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple implants at adjacent levels to coexist without interference, as each implant occupies a unique spatial configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable distraction is implemented to customize spacing between vertebrae, then patient-specific stabilization is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant incorporates a threaded member that can be rotated to dynamically adjust the spacing between the proximal and distal portions. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the surgeon to customize the distraction level during implantation, and the implant can be adjusted intraoperatively to achieve the optimal spacing for each patient's anatomical requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-contained within the implant structure, requiring no external motors, actuators, or complex control systems. The surgeon can directly manipulate the threaded member to adjust the distraction, making the adjustment system simple and self-service without adding significant complexity to the overall device
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
Enables reliable placement with smaller incisions, less intrusive implants, and shorter recovery times, effectively maintaining spacing between vertebrae to limit nerve compression.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded member extending along a proximal-distal direction. The threaded member may rotatably engage the distal superior surface and the distal inferior surface such that rotation of the threaded member urges the implant to move from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration by urging the distal superior surface and the distal inferior surface to move apart
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for maintaining spacing between a superior spinous process and a superior lamina, and an inferior spinous process and an inferior lamina of adjacent vertebrae of a spine. A system may include an implant having a proximal superior surface with a superior concavity shaped to receive the superior spinous process, a proximal inferior surface with an inferior concavity shaped to receive the inferior spinous process, a distal superior surface, distal to the proximal superior surface, that faces the superior lamina, and a distal inferior surface, distal to the proximal inferior surface, that faces the inferior lamina. The implant may further have a threaded member extending along a proximal-distal direction, that rotates to urge the implant to move from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration by urging the distal superior surface and the distal inferior surface to move apart.