Magnetic Screw Assembly for Abnormal Spine Curvature Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for abnormal spine curvatures, such as scoliosis, are inadequate in effectively straightening and stabilizing the spine, often requiring invasive fusion surgery with high recovery times and risks, and may fail to prevent further curve progression.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic screw device comprising a fastening stem, housing, and magnet assembly with magnets, which is implanted into vertebrae to align opposing poles and exert forces that straighten and stabilize the spine, reducing the need for invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fusion surgery is performed to straighten the spine, then the spine is stabilized and straightened, but the recovery time is long and there are risks of neurological complications and infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fusion surgery system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets are implanted in the vertebrae to generate magnetic forces that align and straighten the spine without requiring surgical fusion, thereby reducing recovery time while maintaining stabilization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the treatment by using magnetic field strength and polarity as controllable parameters. By adjusting magnetic field parameters, the spine can be gradually realigned over time without the need for invasive fusion procedures, reducing both recovery time and surgical risks
2Reliability
If fusion surgery is performed to straighten the spine, then the spine is straightened, but there is a risk of neurologic complications and infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the invasive mechanical surgery with a non-contact magnetic field system. Magnets implanted in the vertebrae exert forces through magnetic fields to achieve spine realignment without open surgery, thereby eliminating surgical infection risks and reducing neurological complications associated with fusion surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the implanted magnets and the spine tissue. This intermediary mechanism allows for non-invasive force application and spine realignment without direct surgical manipulation, reducing the risk of neurologic complications and infection
3Reliability
If braces are used to prevent curve progression, then some curve progression is prevented, but the braces are not always effective and do not straighten the spine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces external mechanical bracing with an internal magnetic field-based system. Magnets implanted in the vertebrae generate forces that actively straighten the spine from within, providing more reliable and consistent correction compared to external braces that rely on patient compliance and external pressure
4Loss of time
If magnetic screw devices are implanted to straighten the spine, then the treatment is less invasive with shorter recovery, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic screw device combines multiple functions into a single implant: it serves as both a structural anchor (screw function) and a magnetic force generator (magnet function). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and procedures, offsetting the increased device complexity with streamlined treatment and faster recovery
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 system provides less invasive treatment with shorter recovery times, lower neurological risks, and effective stabilization and alignment of the spine, potentially eliminating the need for braces.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic screw system comprises one or more magnetic screw devices. The magnetic screw devices, when implanted into a subject, are oriented such that magnetic forces exist that compel the opposing poles of the magnets to align
Implementation Method 2
magnetic forces exist that compel the opposing poles of the magnets to align, and in turn exert a force that helps to straighten the curvature of the spine
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic screw device that includes a fastening stem, a housing, a magnet assembly, and one or more magnets. The housing is configured to receive the fastening stem, such that the housing can rotate and angulate relative to the fastening stem. The housing is also configured to secure the magnet assembly. The magnet assembly contains two magnet holders that are each configured to receive one of the two magnets. The magnetic screw device can be used in a method of treating a spine with an abnormal curvature.