Interspinous Process Stabilization Device Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization devices, particularly those anchored to pedicles, occupy significant space and require muscle dissection, leading to potential nerve root injuries and complications during implantation, while inter-spinous process devices may limit spinal extension and reduce nerve root space, causing discomfort in patients with spinal stenosis.
Innovation Solution
An implantable device comprising first and second spaced plates held in place by a post, with a cage positioned between the plates to maintain spacing between adjacent spinous processes, allowing for adjustable connection and compression to stabilize the spinal motion segment without the need for pedicle screws, facilitating a posterior-anterior or lateral approach for minimally invasive implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pedicle screws are used for spinal stabilization, then stabilization effectiveness is improved, but surgical complexity and risk of nerve root injury increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stabilization function from the complex pedicle screw system and relocates it to a simpler interspinous process device. The invention removes the need for pedicle screws and muscle dissection by using a device that attaches directly to the spinous processes, thereby reducing surgical complexity while maintaining stabilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the interspinous device with arms and fixation elements) that mediates between the spinous processes and the stabilization requirement. This intermediary device provides the necessary stabilization without requiring direct pedicle screw insertion, thus reducing surgical complexity and nerve root injury risk.
2Reliability
If pedicle screws are used for spinal stabilization, then stabilization effectiveness is improved, but risk of nerve root injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stabilization function from the pedicle screw system and relocates it to an interspinous device that does not require deep tissue dissection or proximity to nerve roots. By removing the pedicle screw component entirely, the invention eliminates the primary source of nerve root injury risk while maintaining effective stabilization through alternative fixation mechanisms.
3Area of stationary object
If inter-spinous process devices are used to increase foramen area, then nerve root space is improved, but spinal extension is limited causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the interspinous device adjustable and adaptable to individual patient anatomy. The device can be configured to provide the necessary foramen area expansion while allowing controlled spinal motion, preventing excessive limitation of spinal extension. The adjustable nature of the device enables optimization between nerve root space and spinal mobility for each patient.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable device and method for fixation of spinous processes is presented. The device has first and second spaced plates, the first plate having a surface facing a surface of the second plate. The plates are configured for placement on either side of two adjacent spinous processes. The plates are held in place adjacent each side of the two spinous processes by a post connected to each of the plates and extending substantially therefrom the facing surface of the first plate to at least the facing surface of the second plate.