Offset Anchor Screw Tethering for 3D Scoliosis Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal correction techniques for scoliosis, such as bracing and fusion, are invasive and limit mobility, while vertebral body tethering (VBT) is limited to younger patients and ineffective for complex three-dimensional scoliosis, especially rotation.
Innovation Solution
Improved spinal correction methods involving soft tissue release, de-rotation, and dual anchor screw/cord applications, including disc release procedures, vertical mini-openings, and double screw/double cord methodologies to adjust vertebrae and correct multi-planar deformities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional spinal fusion with metal rods is used, then spinal stability is improved, but spine mobility is lost and recovery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the spinal correction system into separate functional components: multiple anchor devices are placed at different vertebral levels, connected by a continuous tether that can be tensioned independently at each level. This segmentation allows stabilization of specific deformity segments while preserving mobility in adjacent spinal regions, unlike traditional fusion which stabilizes the entire instrumented segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tethering system applies localized correction forces at specific vertebral levels where deformity exists, rather than creating global spinal stiffness. The tether can be selectively tensioned to correct specific curvatures while leaving other spinal segments mobile, providing targeted stabilization without sacrificing overall spine mobility.
2Ease of operation
If vertebral body tethering (VBT) is used, then spine mobility is preserved, but effectiveness is limited to younger patients with Cobb angles between 40-70 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device is designed with multiple functional capabilities: it provides both mechanical anchoring for the tether and integrated vertebral correction through the cord channel mechanism. The device can be adapted to different vertebral levels, curve types, and patient ages, making the system universally applicable beyond the limitations of traditional VBT.
Solution Approach 2:
The tethering system incorporates dynamic adjustment capability where the tether can be tensioned progressively as the patient grows, allowing continued correction and adaptation. The system evolves with the patient's development, maintaining effectiveness from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood, rather than being static like traditional fusion hardware.
3Device complexity
If single anchor screw/tether techniques are used, then surgical simplicity is maintained, but correction effectiveness for complex three-dimensional scoliosis is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The correction system is segmented into multiple anchor devices placed at different vertebral levels, each contributing to the overall three-dimensional correction. This multi-level segmentation enables control of complex scoliosis deformities in multiple planes (sagittal, coronal, and axial), providing precision correction that single-level techniques cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds dimensional capability to spinal correction by enabling control in three anatomical planes through the multi-level anchor-tether system. The tether's ability to exert forces at multiple vertebral levels allows correction of rotational deformities (axial plane) in addition to lateral curvature (coronal plane) and kyphosis/lordosis (sagittal plane), achieving comprehensive three-dimensional correction.
Data Source
AI summary
Spinal correction surgical techniques and methodologies for correction of scoliosis using non fusion anterior scoliosis correction, including soft tissue releases, unique correction techniques such as de-rotation, and unique single and dual anchor screw/cord applications.