Modular Interspinous Fixation System with Rotational Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization devices are large and require extensive surgical exposure, failing to adequately address individual anatomical variations and disease-specific needs, with prior art not fully meeting the requirement for compact, customizable solutions.
Innovation Solution
A modular interspinous fixation system comprising a first and second plate, a locking cross bar, and a bridge member that can be selected based on anatomical characteristics, allowing for customizable placement and locking to prevent relative rotation and separation of the plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spinal stabilization devices are used, then spinal fixation can be achieved, but the devices are large and require extensive surgical exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into separate modular components including a first plate, second plate, and locking cross bar that can be independently selected and assembled. This segmentation allows the device to be customized to fit individual anatomical requirements, reducing the overall size and surgical exposure needed compared to traditional monolithic spinal stabilization devices.
2Reliability
If traditional fixation devices are used, then spinal stabilization can be provided, but they fail to address individual anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic selectability where the surgeon can choose from multiple plate configurations and locking cross bar positions based on the patient's specific anatomy. The locking cross bar can be positioned at different locations and orientations to accommodate varying spinous process anatomies, enabling the device to adapt to individual patient requirements while maintaining reliable spinal stabilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular bridge or sleeve member is added to the locking cross bar, then customization to local anatomy is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge or sleeve member is implemented as a separate modular component that can be selectively attached to the locking cross bar. This segmentation allows the complex anatomical adaptation function to be isolated in a dedicated component rather than integrated throughout the entire device, making the customization capability more manageable and easier to implement surgically.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking cross bar serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection between plates, enables anatomical customization through bridge attachment, and facilitates secure locking to the spinous processes. By making the locking cross bar multi-functional, the device achieves enhanced adaptability without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular interspinous fixation system and method are shown. The system and method comprise a first plate, a second plate and a locking cross bar for locking the first and second plates together and into locked engagement with a first spinous process and a second spinous process. A bridge is mounted or received on the locking cross bar so that it becomes locked onto the locking cross bar when the locking cross bar is in locked engagement. The bridge and locking cross bar are adapted so that the bridge does not rotate about its axis while on the locking cross bar. Various other embodiments are shown illustrating various bridges of different shapes and sizes, integral and non-integral locking cross bars and even a ramped locking cross bar for facilitating preventing separation of the first and second plates after they are mounted to the first and second spinous processes.