Lumbar Spinous Process Stabilization With Pivoting Locking Arms

Solution Overview

Problem

There are no known devices that can be used both in a stabilized, fusion supplementation and in a dynamic (non-fusion) setting as a stabilizing device for a lumbar laminectomy.

Innovation Solution

A lumbar process static and dynamic stabilization device that is affixed to two spinous processes of the lumbar spine, allowing for adjustable length and pivotable arms to provide either a fixed-angle or variable angle construct, suitable for fusion-based and non-fusion-based applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a device is designed for stabilization in fusion settings, then it can provide effective stabilization for lumbar fusion procedures, but it cannot be used in dynamic non-fusion settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidstabilization effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism that allows the arms to be locked in fixed positions for fusion procedures or allowed to move dynamically for non-fusion procedures. The locking mechanism can be engaged to maintain a fixed angle between arms during fusion, or disengaged to allow dynamic movement during non-fusion laminectomy procedures, thus adapting the device to different surgical needs while maintaining stabilization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed with universal applicability by incorporating adjustable length arms and a dynamic locking mechanism that enables it to function in both fusion and non-fusion surgical settings. The same basic device structure can provide stabilization for lumbar fusion procedures when locked, and for dynamic stabilization during laminectomy procedures when unlocked, eliminating the need for separate devices for different indications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device length is fixed, then it provides stable support, but it cannot adapt to different vertebrae interspaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to different vertebraeVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device arms are designed with adjustable length through segmented construction, allowing the arms to be configured to span different numbers of vertebrae interspaces. The arms can be adjusted to extend between adjacent vertebrae or across multiple vertebrae, providing adaptability to different surgical requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device is designed for fusion supplementation, then it provides stable fixation, but it cannot provide dynamic stabilization for laminectomy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication flexibilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism that allows the arms to be locked in fixed positions for fusion procedures or allowed to move dynamically for non-fusion procedures. The locking mechanism can be engaged to maintain a fixed angle between arms during fusion, or disengaged to allow dynamic movement during non-fusion laminectomy procedures, thus adapting the device to different surgical needs while maintaining stabilization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12458414B1Lumbar spinous process static and dynamic stabilization device

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 ZOOK JASON

AI summary

A lumbar process static and dynamic stabilization device includes: an upper arm configured to receive and be affixed to a first spinous process of one vertebrae; and a lower arm configured to receive and be affixed to a second spinous process of another vertebrae. The upper arm and the lower arm are pivotally connected, such that the upper arm and the lower arm can pivot relative to each other to transition the device to a desired orientation. At the same time, the device can be selectively locked into either a static configuration by a locking mechanism or allowed to move dynamically, such that the upper arm and the lower arm of the device are allowed to move relative to each other in response to manipulation of the portion of the lumbar spine on which the device is implemented.