Pretensioned Cord Spinal Stabilization with Elastomeric Spacer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spinal stabilization techniques face challenges in providing dynamic support that allows for natural movement of the spine without fusion, while also requiring varying levels of rigidity along different spinal segments, and existing systems are complex and require specialized tools for tensioning and anchoring.

Innovation Solution

A longitudinal connecting member assembly featuring a tensioned inner cord or core surrounded by an elastomeric spacer, with elastic bumpers and blockers, that can be dynamically loaded and attached to bone anchors, allowing for sliding engagement and adjustable tension to accommodate different spinal movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid longitudinal connecting members are used to fuse adjacent vertebrae, then spinal stability is improved, but natural spinal movement is lost and the system becomes overly complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidnatural spinal movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic connecting members that can transition between rigid and flexible states. The connecting member includes a rod with a flexible section that allows controlled movement between vertebrae while maintaining overall spinal stability. This dynamic design enables the system to adapt to natural spinal motion without requiring complex fusion procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member is divided into multiple segments including rigid portions and flexible portions. The flexible section is positioned between specific vertebrae to allow movement, while rigid portions provide stability at anchor points. This segmentation enables different regions of the spine to have different levels of rigidity, maintaining both stability and natural movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If uniform rigid connecting members are used throughout the entire spine, then maximum stability is achieved, but the ability to accommodate varying movement requirements of different spinal segments is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidvarying rigidity along spinal segments

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member features localized variations in rigidity along its length. Specific sections are designed with different mechanical properties to match the movement requirements of underlying vertebrae. The flexible section is positioned where movement is desired, while rigid sections provide stability at anchor points, creating a non-uniform rigidity distribution that accommodates varying spinal segment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If specialized bone anchors and tensioning tools are used for cord stabilization, then anchoring reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring reliabilityVSAvoidspecialized tools and anchors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member design integrates multiple functions into a single component. The rod serves as both the structural element and the anchoring element, eliminating the need for separate specialized anchors and tensioning tools. The rod can be directly attached to vertebrae using standard surgical techniques, simplifying the overall system while maintaining anchoring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 assembly provides a lightweight, adjustable, and cost-effective solution for spinal stabilization that allows for protected motion and varying levels of rigidity along the spine, reducing the need for fusion and simplifying the anchoring process.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomeric spacer (14) and a dynamic section (8) including an inner core, the inner core being in tension and the spacer being in compression

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A longitudinal connecting member assembly according to the invention has an inner segment or core typically made from a cord or cords, the core being fixed at either end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS20230404628A1Soft stabilization assemblies with pretensioned cords

Publication Date: 2023.12.21 JACKSON CORP

AI summary

A soft dynamic stabilization assembly includes a core, typically in the form of a tensioned cord, at least one pair of bone anchors, a spacer surrounding the core located between the bone anchors, typically, at least one elastic bumper and at least one fixing or blocking member. The core is slidable with respect to at least one of the bone anchors and cooperating spacer.