Pedicle Screw Cluster Derotation Tool for Scoliosis Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional treatments for scoliosis, such as spinal fusion, often result in limited spinal correction, muscle weakness, disk degeneration, and increased risk of vertebral fracture due to inadequate distribution of derotational forces, failing to achieve comprehensive three-dimensional spinal reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing pedicle screws implanted in vertebrae, coupled with a pedicle screw cluster derotation tool that disperses forces across multiple vertebrae, allowing for simultaneous and safe derotation of the spinal column, thereby facilitating three-dimensional correction without risking vertebral fracture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional spinal fusion techniques are used to treat scoliosis, then spinal curvature can be corrected, but spinal flexibility is lost and back muscle weakness occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal column is divided into multiple vertebral segments, each stabilized by individual pedicle screws. This segmentation allows selective correction and stabilization of specific vertebral levels while preserving motion in adjacent segments, avoiding the complete immobilization caused by conventional long-segment fusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies correction and stabilization forces locally at specific vertebral levels using pedicle screws inserted into individual vertebrae. This localized approach allows correction of abnormal curvature while preserving normal spinal mechanics in untreated segments, maintaining spinal flexibility.
2Shape
If derotational forces are applied to correct spinal deviation, then spinal alignment improves, but risk of vertebral fracture increases due to concentrated forces
Solution Approach 1:
The derotational force is divided and applied to multiple individual vertebral segments through separately inserted pedicle screws. This distributes the mechanical stress across many small force vectors rather than concentrating it in one location, significantly reducing the risk of vertebral fracture while achieving the same corrective effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention addresses the three-dimensional nature of scoliosis by applying derotational forces that correct not only lateral curvature but also axial rotation of vertebrae. Pedicle screws provide multi-directional force application capability, allowing correction in multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously while distributing loads safely.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional instrumentation is used to fix vertebrae in position, then spinal stability is achieved, but disk degeneration and low back pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pedicle screw construction allows for dynamic adjustment and controlled micromotion at each vertebral level. This dynamic stabilization maintains spinal stability while permitting physiological motion that prevents disk degeneration, unlike rigid conventional instrumentation that completely immobilizes the spine.
Solution Approach 2:
By stabilizing individual vertebral segments rather than long spinal segments, the invention preserves normal motion mechanics in adjacent disks and joints. This segmented approach prevents the widespread disk degeneration and back pain associated with extensive fusion procedures.
4Shape
If extensive spinal fusion is performed to correct severe scoliosis, then spinal curvature is corrected, but height loss and lumbar flatback occur
Solution Approach 1:
The correction is achieved through multiple small adjustments at individual vertebral levels rather than a single extensive fusion procedure. This segmented correction maintains the natural height of each vertebral body and the overall spinal column length, preventing the height loss and flatback syndrome associated with long-segment fusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach to correction by using incremental angular adjustments at each pedicle screw level rather than applying large corrective forces across a long fused segment. This parameter-based incremental correction preserves spinal height and natural lumbar lordosis while achieving the desired curvature correction.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for ameliorating spinal column anomalies, such as scoliosis, includes bone screws which are to be implanted in the pedicle region(s) of individual to-be-derotated vertebrae and in vertebrae to which balancing forces must be applied as the spinal column is manipulated en mass to achieve an over-all correction of the condition. A pedicle screw cluster derotation tool simultaneously engages multiple pedicle screws and transmits manipulative forces to multiple vertebrae to effect a whole-spine correction. Pre-contoured spinal rods are engaged post-derotation to secure the correction.