Pars Interarticularis Clamp for Spinal Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for pars interarticularis fractures, such as bracing and rest, often result in chronic pain and re-injury, and conventional surgical methods like spinal fusion are invasive, lead to mobility loss, and have variable success, with a high risk of re-injury and long recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive spinal stabilization system using a pars interarticularis clamp that applies compressional force to the fracture site, allowing direct bone grafting and stabilization without fusing the vertebrae, enabling quicker recovery and reduced risk of re-injury, utilizing a pars clamp with a pedicle screw and laminar hook for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bracing and rest treatment is used for pars interarticularis fractures, then the fracture can heal or stabilize, but the treatment duration is long (6-12 weeks) and patients often develop chronic pain and re-injury
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the treatment approach by applying compression force specifically to the fracture site through a clamp device, rather than relying on global bracing of the entire spine. This localized intervention accelerates healing while minimizing overall treatment time and maintaining mobility in non-fractured regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies compression force early in the healing process to stabilize the fracture site immediately, creating optimal conditions for bone healing from the outset. This preliminary stabilization prevents the chronic pain and re-injury that typically develop after prolonged rest periods.
2Reliability
If spinal fusion surgery is performed to treat chronic spondylolysis, then stability is improved and pain is reduced, but mobility is lost and the procedure is highly invasive with long recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of stabilization from the complex spinal fusion procedure. By isolating and treating only the fractured pars interarticularis site with a clamp device, the device provides stability without requiring the extensive bone fusion and hardware implantation of traditional surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies stabilization locally at the fracture site rather than fusing the entire motion segment. The clamp provides targeted compression and stability to the pars interarticularis while leaving the facet joints and surrounding structures mobile and unfused.
3Reliability
If conventional surgical methods are used to stabilize the fracture, then the fracture site is secured, but the risk of re-injury remains high and recovery time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the mechanical parameters at the fracture site by applying controlled compression force that optimizes bone healing conditions. This parameter adjustment accelerates the healing process and reduces recovery time while maintaining reliable stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp device provides dynamic stabilization that allows controlled motion at the fracture site while maintaining compression. This dynamic approach promotes healing faster than rigid fixation while preventing re-injury better than passive bracing.
4Reliability
If young athletes undergo prolonged rest and bracing treatment, then the fracture may heal, but their athletic career and physical function are significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the immobilization requirement by stabilizing only the fractured pars interarticularis while allowing the rest of the spine and athletic function to remain active. This localized treatment enables athletes to maintain productivity during the healing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables continuous athletic training and physical activity during the healing process by providing sufficient stabilization without requiring prolonged rest. The useful action of athletic training continues uninterrupted while the fracture heals under controlled compression.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a quick, reliable, and minimally invasive treatment that allows athletes to return to sports within three months, maintains joint mobility, and reduces the need for future spinal fusion, while providing continuous stabilization and preventing re-injury.
Implementation Method 1
applies compressional force to the fracture site
Data Source
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AI summary
A spinal stabilization system may include at least one pedicle screw comprising a threaded base to be connected to a superior pedicle of a vertebra and a screw head attached to the threaded base. The system may further include at least one pars interarticularis clamp comprising an elongate body defining a screw head connection point to be connected to the screw head of the pedicle screw, and a laminar hook coupled to the elongate body and configured to wrap around an edge of the lamina and compress the pars interarticularis of the vertebra when the screw head connection point is connected to the screw head.