Pedicle Screw Distraction Device With Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Degenerative disc disease leads to loss of disc height, causing chronic back and leg pain, nerve pinching, and reduced spinal flexibility, with current treatments being costly and invasive.
Innovation Solution
A pedicle screw distraction device with a connector link and spring mechanism that provides a controlled distraction force between pedicle screws, restoring disc height and maintaining spinal flexibility while allowing for normal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current surgical treatments (fusion and/or disc replacement) are used to treat degenerative disc disease, then disc height restoration and pain relief are achieved, but the treatment becomes costly and invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically applies distraction force to the vertebral bodies through the pedicle screws, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control systems. The spring self-regulates the distraction force based on the compressed state, providing reliable pain relief through a simple, self-contained mechanical system that reduces treatment invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of disc height restoration from complex fusion or replacement procedures by using a minimal implant system consisting of pedicle screws and a spring mechanism. This extracted approach achieves the therapeutic effect (disc height restoration and pain relief) without the invasiveness of full fusion or artificial disc replacement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connector is used to fix pedicle screws, then structural stability is achieved, but spinal flexibility and normal movement are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism transforms the rigid connector into a dynamic element that can deform and adapt during spinal movement. The spring maintains structural stability through its elastic properties while allowing the vertebral bodies to move relative to each other, thereby preserving spinal flexibility and normal movement patterns that would be restricted by a completely rigid connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring changes its physical state (compression and expansion) in response to spinal movement, allowing the system to transition between stable and flexible states. This parameter change enables the connector to provide structural stability when needed while accommodating spinal flexibility during normal physiological movement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If distraction force is applied to restore disc height, then nerve pinching is alleviated, but excessive force may cause tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by gradually applying distraction force rather than sudden excessive force. The elastic properties of the spring allow it to cushion and regulate the force applied to the vertebral bodies and surrounding tissues, alleviating nerve pinching while preventing tissue damage through controlled, progressive distraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring dynamically adjusts the distraction force parameter based on the compression state and tissue resistance. This automatic parameter regulation ensures that sufficient force is applied to restore disc height and relieve nerve pinching, while excessive force is prevented by the spring's elastic limits, thereby protecting surrounding tissues from damage.
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 device effectively restores disc height, reduces pain, and improves spinal mobility by applying a controlled distraction force, thereby alleviating nerve pinching and promoting disc regeneration.
Implementation Method 1
A spring member is positioned within the connector link between and in contact with the screw head portions
Data Source
AI summary
A pedicle screw distraction device that includes first and second pedicle screws each including a screw body portion and a ball head. The device also includes first and second screw head portions each including an internal threaded bore where the first screw is inserted in the first screw head portion and the second screw is inserted in the second screw head portion. The device also includes a connector link coupled to the first and second screw head portions where the connector link includes an outer perimeter portion having a slot therein. A spring member is positioned within the connector link between and in contact with the first and second screw head portions. A locking member including a plate and a separating portion is positioned between the screw head portions and an inside wall of the connector link where the separating portion is positioned between the screw head portions.