Rotatable Spinal Implant for Vertebral De-Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for correcting scoliosis in spinal surgery are limited by imprecise measurement of vertebral axial rotation and lack of effective tools for rotational adjustment between vertebrae, often requiring fusion and removal of disc material, which can lead to suboptimal alignment and stability.
Innovation Solution
A spinal implant system comprising rotatably-coupled intradiscal elements with a coupling mechanism allowing relative rotational movement between them, enabling precise adjustment and stabilization of vertebrae alignment, including features like post and aperture systems, snap rings, and ridge arrays for incremental rotation and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fusion surgery is performed to correct scoliosis, then vertebral alignment can be restored, but disc material must be removed and vertebrae are fused, leading to loss of spinal mobility and increased surgical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into two separate intradiscal elements (first and second elements) that can be independently positioned and rotated within the disc space. Each element can be separately engaged with adjacent vertebrae, allowing independent rotational adjustment to correct vertebral alignment without requiring fusion of the vertebrae themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism between the first and second intradiscal elements provides dynamic rotational adjustment capability. The elements can be rotated relative to each other to achieve precise vertebral de-rotation and alignment correction, then maintained in the desired position without permanent fusion, preserving spinal mobility while achieving stability.
2Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to estimate vertebral axial rotation from X-ray images, then spinal curvature can be assessed, but measurement precision is insufficient for accurate rotational adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imprecise manual visual estimation methods with a mechanical measurement and adjustment system. The implant includes features such as arrays of ridges on the intradiscal elements that provide tactile and visual feedback during rotation, enabling precise measurement and control of vertebral axial rotation angles directly during the surgical procedure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If disc material is removed to encourage fusion, then vertebrae can be stabilized, but the natural disc function and spinal mobility are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The implant serves multiple functions: it provides vertebral stabilization through the coupling mechanism between intradiscal elements, enables precise rotational adjustment for alignment correction, and maintains disc space height and function. The system achieves both stability and mobility by allowing controlled rotation within the implant while supporting the vertebrae, eliminating the need to remove disc material for fusion.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal implant adapted to be positioned within a disc space between adjacent vertebrae includes a first intradiscal element, a second intradiscal element, and a coupling mechanism. The first and second intradiscal elements include respective first and second outer surfaces adapted to be positioned adjacent an endplate of respective first and second adjacent vertebrae. The first and second intradiscal elements further include respective first and second medial surfaces that are opposite the respective first and second outer surfaces, where the second medial surface is adapted to generally face the first medial surface upon assembly of the first intradiscal element with the second intradiscal element. The coupling mechanism is associated with the first and second medial surfaces and is adapted to provide relative rotational movement between the first and second intradiscal elements in a plane generally parallel with the first and second medial surfaces.