Modular Spinous Process Fixation Device for Minimally Invasive Spinal Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stabilization devices for the thoracic and lumbar spine require open surgery, leading to extensive dissection of paraspinous musculature and ligamentous attachments, increasing risks and recovery time.
Innovation Solution
Development of spinous process fixation devices and systems that allow for minimally invasive procedures by using attachment portions and insertion instruments to couple and secure spinous processes without extensive dissection, maintaining or re-establishing anatomic spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If open surgery is used for spinal stabilization, then reliable fixation and stabilization can be achieved, but extensive dissection of paraspinous musculature and ligamentous attachments is required, increasing risks and recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into multiple independent components including a first attachment portion with first and second members, a second attachment portion with third and fourth members, and connecting elements. These segmented components can be inserted and assembled separately through minimally invasive approaches, eliminating the need for extensive open dissection while maintaining reliable spinal stabilization through modular construction and precise positioning capability
2Ease of operation
If open surgery is performed, then adequate exposure and access to spinous processes is achieved, but recovery time and surgical risks are increased
Solution Approach 1:
An insertion instrument serves as an intermediary tool that facilitates the placement of fixation device members through a small incision. The instrument enables precise positioning and coupling of the attachment portions to spinous processes without requiring wide surgical exposure, thereby providing adequate access through a minimally invasive approach and reducing both surgical and recovery time
3Loss of time
If minimally invasive approach is used, then recovery time is reduced, but device complexity and assembly requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device members and attachment portions are designed to nest together through hierarchical coupling relationships. The first and second members form a first attachment portion, the third and fourth members form a second attachment portion, and these portions connect through standardized interfaces. This nested structure allows complex functionality to be achieved through modular assembly via a simple insertion instrument, reducing the need for complex real-time assembly procedures while maintaining minimally invasive benefits
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses spinous process fixation devices, systems, and instruments. The spinous process fixation device includes a first member, a second member, a third member, and a fourth member. Each of the first and second members includes a body and an engagement member and the engagement member of the first member couples to the engagement portion of the second member. Each of the third and fourth members also includes a body and an engagement member and the engagement member of the third member couples to the engagement portion of the fourth member. A method of assembling the spinous process fixation device and methods of using the spinous process fixation devices are also disclosed. A reamer instrument is also disclosed.