Modular Spine Stabilization With Adjustable Curvature and Mixed Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization treatments either immobilize the spine through fusion or use dynamic stabilization, but lack a modular system that can provide either type of stabilization at multiple levels with customizable curvature to match the spine's natural curvature, limiting their adaptability and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An implantable, modular spine stabilization system that includes flexible couplers and rigid rods, allowing for either dynamic or rigid stabilization at different levels, with instruments for adjusting and implanting the system to match the spine's curvature, enabling a customized fit and minimally invasive surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid fixation system is used to stabilize the spine, then spinal stability is improved, but the ability to preserve natural spine motion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system is divided into modular components including multiple rods, couplers, and bone fasteners that can be selectively assembled. This segmentation allows the surgeon to create different configurations - rigid fixation when needed and dynamic stabilization when motion preservation is desired, resolving the contradiction between stability and motion preservation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic elements such as flexible couplers and spring-like couplings that allow controlled motion between vertebrae. These dynamic components enable the spine to maintain natural movement patterns while still providing stabilization, thus preserving motion while maintaining stability
2Reliability
If separate rod systems are used for rigid fixation and dynamic stabilization at different spine levels, then stabilization effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal components such as rods with standardized interfaces and multi-functional couplers that can provide either rigid or dynamic stabilization depending on configuration. This universality allows a single modular system to replace multiple separate rod systems, reducing component count while maintaining stabilization effectiveness at different spine levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of rigid fixation and dynamic stabilization into a single integrated modular system. By combining universal rods, couplers, and bone fasteners into one system platform, it eliminates the need for separate rod systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while preserving both rigid and dynamic stabilization capabilities
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed curvature implant system is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to patient-specific spine curvature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The curvature adaptation system is segmented into multiple adjustable components including rods with variable curvature, adjustable couplers, and configurable bone fasteners. This segmentation allows the surgeon to assemble a customized curvature configuration from standardized manufactured parts, achieving patient-specific fit without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each case
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in curvature, angle, and length through adjustable components. Rods can be bent to different curvatures, couplers can be positioned at various angles, and the overall construct can be configured to match the patient's specific spinal anatomy. This parametric adjustability provides customization while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized base components
Data Source
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AI summary
An implantable, modular spine stabilization system that allows for multi-level treatment of the spine by providing either rigid fixation or dynamic stabilization at different levels to be treated is provided. This modular spine stabilization system may be configured to span multiple spine levels, and have a curvature that closely matches the curvature of the spine over those multiple levels to be treated. Further, the modular spine stabilization system allows adjustment of the curvature of the overall system such that the system may be adapted for a patient for a customized fit. Instruments are also provided for the assembly and/or implantation of the modular spine stabilization system. The associated instruments may include instruments for adjusting the curvature of the system to the patient, and for implanting the curved system into the patient. The instruments may be configured for implantation of the system in a minimally invasive surgery.