Mono-Sectinal Spinal Assembly for Isthmic Fracture Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for isthmic fractures, such as bi-sectional and mono-sectional techniques, fail to provide specific materials for effective rehabilitation and maintenance of fractured vertebrae, leading to imperfect bone consolidation and risk of sliding between bone parts.
Innovation Solution
A mono-sectional assembly comprising a rigid rod, pedicle screw, hooks, and a set screw, allowing for precise immobilization and pressure application on the isthmus to stabilize the fracture, with versatile hooks for treating fractures on either side of the vertebra.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bi-sectional technique is used to treat isthmic fracture, then immobilization is achieved, but healthy vertebral joint is immobilized unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a pedicle screw for anchoring in the vertebral body, a rod for spanning the fracture, and a lamina hook for engagement on the intact lamina. This segmentation allows the immobilization force to be applied locally at the fracture site while preserving mobility of healthy adjacent joints, resolving the contradiction between reliable fracture immobilization and preservation of healthy joint function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mono-sectional technique with existing components is used, then fewer vertebrae are immobilized, but perfect rehabilitation and maintenance of fractured parts cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The rod acts as an intermediary element that transmits compressive force from the pedicle screw through the fracture site to the lamina hook. This intermediary mechanism enables precise control of compression forces across the fracture without requiring immobilization of adjacent vertebrae, achieving both minimal immobilization and perfect fracture rehabilitation simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly applies immobilization and compression forces locally at the fracture site through the pedicle screw-rod-hook configuration, rather than immobilizing entire vertebrae. This localized action allows perfect rehabilitation of the fractured parts while maintaining mobility of healthy adjacent joints, resolving the contradiction between minimal immobilization scope and high rehabilitation quality.
3Device complexity
If existing components are used for mono-sectional treatment, then assembly is simpler, but fractured parts cannot be maintained perfectly during bone consolidation
Solution Approach 1:
The rod serves multiple functions: it connects the pedicle screw to the lamina hook, transmits compression forces across the fracture, and provides a structure for applying corrective forces during reduction. This multi-functionality enables perfect maintenance of fractured parts during consolidation without significantly increasing assembly complexity, as the same rod structure accomplishes multiple critical tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is disclosed for treating an isthmic fracture. It also relates to an assembly which includes materials and instruments for utilizing the assembly in connection with treating the fracture.