Interspinous Plate Fixation With Spring Preload for Motion Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stabilizing and fixating spinous processes in spinal surgery are slow and complex, often requiring fusion and fixation with screws, rods, and plates, which limit vertebral motion and can be cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An interspinous process device comprising a first and second plate with a transverse member and a spring mechanism, allowing adjustable fixation and preload force to stabilize spinous processes, with optional bone growth material and adjustable components for anatomical fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fixation with screws, rods, and plates is used to stabilize spinous processes, then vertebral stability is improved, but surgical complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into separate modular components including a first plate, second plate, transverse member, and fastener that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows for simplified surgical installation where each component is placed and fixed separately rather than installing a complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable elements including the transverse member that can be positioned at different orientations and the fastener that can be tightened to various degrees. This adjustability provides dynamic adaptation to anatomical variations while maintaining stability, reducing the need for custom-designed complex fixtures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fusion is performed to join vertebrae together, then vertebral stability is improved, but loss of vertebral motion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the mechanical parameters of the spinous processes by applying controlled compression forces through the plates and fastener system. This compression stabilizes the vertebrae while allowing physiological motion to continue, unlike fusion which eliminates motion by joining bones together.
3Stability of the object's composition
If current fixation procedures are used, then spinous processes are stabilized, but surgical time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first plate is positioned and secured to the spinous process before the second plate is installed. This preliminary action establishes a stable base that simplifies subsequent steps, allowing the transverse member and fastener to be quickly attached without requiring complex real-time adjustments during surgery.
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
Provides efficient and adjustable stabilization of spinous processes, maintaining vertebral motion while promoting bone integration and reducing surgical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism configured to provide a preloaded compression force to the first and second plates
Data Source
AI summary
An interspinous process device includes a first plate, a second plate, and a transverse member between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the second plate is adjustably coupled to the transverse member. A post is coupled to the transverse member and a spring mechanism is disposed between the post and the first plate. The spring mechanism is configured to provide a preloaded compression force to the first and second plates. Methods of implanting the interspinous process device using an inserter tool are also disclosed.