Magnetically Levitated Spinous Process Implants for Dynamic Spinal Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis, such as mechanical spacers, are not dynamic and fail to adjust to the complex movement between adjacent vertebrae, providing inadequate long-term relief for pinched nerves.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising vertebral attachments with magnets made from rare earth metals and connecting components like ring-shaped, U-shaped, or rod-shaped extensions that can be affixed to vertebrae, generating repulsive forces to separate and stabilize adjacent vertebrae, thereby reducing spinal stenosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical spacers are placed between spinous processes, then the spinal canal is opened and nerve compression is relieved, but the treatment is not dynamic and cannot adjust to spine movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs magnets with magnetic fields that dynamically adjust to spine movement. The magnets are positioned on adjacent vertebrae and automatically adapt their spacing and orientation in response to physiological motion, providing continuous dynamic adjustment rather than fixed mechanical separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical spacers with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of physical contact between rigid spacers and vertebrae, the system uses non-contact magnetic forces to maintain appropriate spacing, eliminating mechanical wear and improving adaptability to movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnets are used to provide repulsive forces between vertebrae, then dynamic adjustment and stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnet and connecting components into an integrated vertebral attachment assembly. The connecting components serve dual functions of mechanical attachment to the vertebra and positioning of the magnet, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting components are designed to perform multiple functions: mechanically attaching to the spinous process, positioning the magnet at the correct orientation and distance, and potentially accommodating adjustments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
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 device provides dynamic and stable separation of vertebrae, reducing spinal stenosis symptoms by maintaining appropriate vertebral spacing and reducing undesirable forces, offering long-term relief for patients.
Implementation Method 1
The magnets in vertebral attachments of adjacent vertebrae may differ or have the same polarity, depending on the type of treatment for the patient. One or more magnets may be used on each vertebral attachment to provide a magnetic field to accommodate a desired dynamic interaction between adjacent vertebral attachments.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for treatment of the spine comprising one or more vertebral attachments, in which the vertebral attachments contain one or more magnets that provide physiologic attractive or repulsive forces to affect the interaction between adjacent vertebrae. The vertebral attachments may also comprise one or more connecting components that affix the magnets to the vertebrae. In addition, there are methods for treatment of the spine comprising implantation of the device.