Magnetic Screw Device for Scoliosis Realignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for scoliosis, such as bracing and fusion surgery, are inadequate in effectively realigning the spine, stabilizing it, and preventing further curve progression, often resulting in prolonged recovery times and neurological complications.
Innovation Solution
The development of a magnetic screw device comprising a bone screw with a rare-earth magnet that, upon implantation, aligns magnetic poles to exert forces that straighten the spine, resist curvature progression, and maintain vertical alignment, potentially reducing the need for external bracing and minimizing surgical invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bracing is used to treat scoliosis, then curve progression may be prevented in some cases, but the treatment is unsuccessful in about 40% of cases requiring surgery, and does not effectively realign the spine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the external mechanical bracing system with an internal magnetic field-based system. Magnets are implanted within the spine to generate magnetic forces that directly realign vertebral bodies, eliminating the need for external braces and providing more reliable and effective spinal realignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary mechanism between the implanted magnets and the vertebral bodies. The magnetic fields act as a mediator to exert forces on the spine, enabling realignment without direct mechanical contact or external bracing.
2Reliability
If fusion surgery is performed to straighten the spine, then severe curvatures can be corrected, but the procedure requires long recovery time and carries risks of neurological complications and infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the invasive mechanical fusion surgery with a less invasive magnetic field-based system. Instead of permanently fusing vertebrae with rods and screws, magnets generate magnetic forces to realign and stabilize the spine, avoiding the need for extensive surgical intervention and long recovery periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of spinal treatment from permanent mechanical fusion to reversible magnetic field application. This allows for correction of severe curvatures while maintaining spinal flexibility and avoiding the irreversible nature of fusion surgery.
3Reliability
If fusion surgery is performed to straighten the spine, then curvature can be corrected, but the procedure carries risks of neurological complications and infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the invasive surgical procedure with a less invasive magnetic field-based system. Magnets are implanted through minimally invasive procedures, and magnetic forces are used to correct curvature, significantly reducing the risk of neurological complications and infections associated with traditional fusion surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary that eliminates the need for direct mechanical contact and extensive surgical exposure. This intermediary approach reduces the risk of infection and neurological damage by avoiding complex surgical procedures.
4Reliability
If magnetic screw devices with magnets are implanted, then the spine can be realigned and stabilized, but the device complexity increases compared to traditional bracing or fusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of spinal realignment from complex mechanical systems and implements it through a simpler magnetic field-based approach. By removing the need for external braces or extensive fusion hardware, the device complexity is reduced while maintaining or improving treatment effectiveness.
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
The magnetic screw device offers a less invasive alternative with shorter recovery times and lower risks of neurological complications, effectively stabilizing and realigning the spine while preventing curve progression, potentially reducing the need for external bracing.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic screw device comprising a bone screw with a rare-earth magnet that, upon implantation, aligns magnetic poles to exert forces that straighten the spine
Implementation Method 2
exert forces that straighten the spine, resist curvature progression, and maintain vertical alignment
Data Source
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AI summary
A magnetic screw device of a bone screw and one or more magnets that are attached to the bone screw. The bone screw may have a stem, which comprises a connector and at least one thread, and a housing assembly. The connector of the stem may be configured to articulate with the housing assembly such that the stem can rotate and angulate relative to the housing assembly. The magnetic screw device may be used to treat or stabilize spines with abnormal curvature, prevent further curvature progression, and relieve pain associated with abnormal curvature.