Prosthetic Spinous Process with Adjustable Crosslinking Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prosthetic devices for the vertebral column often complicate spinal stabilization by risking damage to lumbar nerve roots and spinal soft tissues due to invasive procedures, and they struggle with varying interpedicular distances and anatomical variations, particularly at the S1 sacral vertebra where bone is often missing or atrophic.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic spinous process device with adjustable crosslinking rods and pedicle screws that can be inserted percutaneously, allowing for secure attachment and reconstruction of the spinal column while minimizing tissue damage, featuring a design with adjustable angles and materials like titanium or PEEK for enhanced biocompatibility and mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional prosthetic devices are used for spinal stabilization, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but risk of damage to lumbar nerve roots and spinal soft tissues increases due to invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components including pedicle screws, crosslinking rods, and a prosthetic spinous process element. This segmentation allows for less invasive insertion methods where each component can be placed independently through smaller incisions, reducing damage to soft tissues and nerve roots while still achieving stable spinal fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic spinous process element serves as an intermediary structure that distributes mechanical loads and provides attachment points for ligaments and soft tissues. This intermediary element reduces stress concentration on the bone and surrounding tissues, minimizing damage while maintaining stabilization.
2Reliability
If conventional prosthetic devices are used, then spinal stabilization is provided, but adaptability to varying interpedicular distances and anatomical variations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The crosslinking rods are designed with adjustable lengths and the prosthetic spinous process element features adjustable positioning capabilities. This dynamic design allows the device to be customized intraoperatively to match varying interpedicular distances and anatomical variations among different patients, while maintaining stable spinal fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates variable parameters including adjustable rod lengths, configurable screw positions, and adaptable component orientations. These parameter changes enable the prosthetic device to accommodate diverse anatomical configurations and interpedicular distances without compromising stabilization reliability.
3Strength
If invasive procedures are used for spinal stabilization, then secure attachment is achieved, but tissue damage and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the implant into separate components (pedicle screws, crosslinking rods, prosthetic spinous process), the surgical procedure becomes more systematic and less complex. Each component can be inserted and positioned independently through minimally invasive approaches, reducing overall surgical complexity while maintaining strong attachment through progressive assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic spinous process includes a member and a plurality of crosslinking rods connected to the member at an angle relative to each other, wherein the member includes at least one opening therethrough.