Posterior Spinal Disk Augmentation System with Adjustable Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for addressing diseased intervertebral disks either result in stiffness due to loss of motion between vertebrae or require complex surgical procedures for prosthetic replacement, failing to replicate the biomechanical properties of natural disks while being technically demanding and risky.
Innovation Solution
A disk augmentation system comprising exterior supports and a compression body that can be adjusted to reduce load on spinal disks, allowing non-parallel movement and replication of natural disk function, facilitating a simpler and safer surgical approach by placing the system rearwardly and exterior to the native disk space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a prosthetic artificial disk is used to replace the diseased disk, then the biomechanical function is replicated, but the surgical procedure becomes extensive and technically demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic disk system is divided into separate components: an upper articulating surface attached to the upper vertebra, a lower articulating surface attached to the lower vertebra, and a resilient body between them. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and adjusted, simplifying the surgical procedure while maintaining biomechanical function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention positions the articulating surfaces and resilient body in a posterior location outside the native disk space, utilizing the third dimension (posterior-anterior axis) to avoid the complexity of anterior surgical approaches while achieving the same biomechanical support function.
2Reliability
If the native disk is removed and vertebrae are fused, then disk disease is treated, but relative motion between vertebrae is lost causing stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient body is designed to be compressible and elastic, allowing dynamic motion between the upper and lower vertebrae. This dynamic structure replicates the natural disk's ability to absorb compression and permit movement, preventing spinal stiffness while treating disk disease.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient body's material properties are selected to match the biomechanical characteristics of natural disk tissue, including compression modulus and elasticity. This parameter matching allows the prosthetic system to replicate natural disk function while providing disease treatment.
3Ease of manufacture
If a rearward approach is used to place support devices, then surgical simplicity is improved, but the ability to replicate ideal biomechanical properties is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention successfully combines posterior placement with ideal biomechanical function by utilizing the posterior-anterior dimension. The articulating surfaces are positioned posterior to the vertebral bodies, allowing simple rearward surgical access while the resilient body maintains proper load-bearing orientation and biomechanical properties.
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 effectively reduces load on spinal disks, replicating natural biomechanical properties with a simpler and safer surgical method, allowing for adjustable support and potential for future replacement of components to meet patient needs.
Implementation Method 1
coopering to define a compression body area for receiving a compression body
Implementation Method 2
replacing it with a prosthetic artificial disk made of a resilient material
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a disk augmentation system or situating a retainer comprising artificial supports posterior to or exterior of a spinal column and a spinal column axis. The system provides an external retainer having supports for receiving at least one artificial compression body and securing at least one artificial compression body in a supported relationship to facilitate reducing load on the one or more natural disks of a patient.