Modular Crossbar Spinal Prosthesis for Facet Joint Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal prostheses lack modular designs that are configurable and adaptable to various spinal anatomies and disease states, failing to restore proper biomechanical functionality and alignment, and often limit mobility and compromise adjacent structures.
Innovation Solution
Development of modular spinal prostheses with configurable and adaptable components, including crossbar systems, cephalad and caudal prosthesis elements, and fixation elements, which can be adjusted to fit individual patient anatomy and disease states, allowing for customizable placement and orientation to restore facet joint function and alleviate nerve compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current spinal prostheses are used, then spinal replacement is achieved, but the prosthesis lacks configurability and adaptability to various spinal anatomies and disease states
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal prosthesis is divided into multiple modular components including fixation elements, support components, and articulating elements that can be independently selected and configured. This segmentation allows the prosthesis to be adapted to various spinal anatomies and disease states while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis employs universal fixation elements and support components that can serve multiple functions across different spinal levels and pathologies. The modular design allows the same basic components to be configured for various anatomical locations and disease states, providing versatility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If current spinal prostheses are used, then spinal replacement is achieved, but proper biomechanical functionality and alignment are not restored
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis incorporates articulating elements with movable joints that replicate natural spinal biomechanics. The articulating mechanism allows for physiological motion while maintaining proper alignment, restoring reliable biomechanical functionality through dynamic components rather than fixed rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components allow adjustment of geometric parameters including orientation, position, and articulation angles to match the patient's specific anatomy and restore proper biomechanical alignment. This parameter customization enables reliable functionality without requiring entirely custom-designed devices.
3Ease of operation
If current spinal prostheses are used, then spinal replacement is achieved, but mobility is limited and adjacent structures are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis applies fixation and support only where specifically needed to treat the pathology, rather than providing uniform rigid stabilization across the entire spinal segment. This localized approach preserves mobility in unaffected areas and minimizes compromise to adjacent structures by concentrating the mechanical intervention only where required.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis, including a pedicle fixation element; a laminar fixation element; and a facet joint bearing surface having a location adaptable with respect at least one of the pedicle fixation element and the laminar fixation element. The invention also includes a method of implanting an adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis including the steps of determining a desired position for a facet joint bearing surface; and attaching a prosthesis comprising a facet joint bearing surface to a pedicle portion of a vertebra and a lamina portion of a vertebra to place the facet joint bearing surface in the desired position. The invention also provides a facet joint prosthesis implant tool including a tool guide adapted to guide a vertebra cutting tool; and first and second fixation hole alignment elements extending from the saw guide. The invention also provides systems for treating spinal pathologies that include intervertebral discs in combination with spinal and facet joint prostheses.