Resilient Spinal Stabilization Element for Dynamic Motion Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization methods either restrict spinal motion or provide inadequate dynamic stabilization, failing to effectively manage spinal loading and movement while preserving limited vertebral segment mobility.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic spinal stabilization system using a resilient element with an end portion and a resilient portion, connected by a tether, is implanted between vertebral bodies, allowing for movement and resistance to spinal extension, flexion, and lateral bending through multi-axial or uni-axial anchor assemblies with articulation surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connecting elements are used to stabilize the spine, then spinal stability is improved, but spinal motion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid connecting elements with a resilient element that can dynamically adapt to spinal motion. The resilient element includes a resilient portion that flexes and deforms to accommodate physiological spinal movements while maintaining stabilization, thus resolving the contradiction between providing spinal stability and preserving spinal motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by using a resilient element with variable stiffness characteristics. The resilient portion can change its mechanical properties based on loading conditions, allowing it to provide appropriate resistance to spinal motion while permitting physiological movement, thereby balancing stability and motion requirements.
2Ease of operation
If flexible connecting elements are used to permit spinal motion, then spinal mobility is improved, but stabilization effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials principle by constructing the connecting element with a resilient portion made of elastomeric or polymeric materials combined with rigid end portions. This composite structure allows the resilient portion to provide flexibility for motion while the end portions maintain connection strength, thus achieving both mobility and stabilization effectiveness simultaneously.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a resilient element with tether is used, then dynamic stabilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the tether inside the resilient portion, with the tether extending through the resilient element's longitudinal axis. This nested configuration allows the tether to be contained within the resilient portion while still providing its stabilizing function, thereby achieving dynamic stabilization without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 provides dynamic stabilization by allowing vertebral movement while resisting spinal deviations from the neutral position, offering adjustable stiffness and resistance, thus enhancing spinal stability and mobility.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient portion (16) attached to the end portion (14), the resilient portion (16) resilient to compression along the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic stabilization system for use with a spinal motion segment includes a first bone anchor assembly, a second bone anchor assembly, and a resilient element. The resilient element includes an end portion engageable with the first bone anchor assembly and a resilient portion engageable with the second bone anchor assembly. The resilient element provides resilient resistance when the first and second bone anchor assemblies are moved toward one another and provides no resistance and is separable from the second bone anchor assembly when the first and second bone anchor assemblies are moved away from one another.