Sacral Tether Anchor Structure for Reversible Spinal Flexion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spinal implants using tether structures are invasive, irreversible, and pose risks such as nerve damage and spinous process erosion, while attachment to small or sloping spinous processes is challenging, necessitating improved methods for secure and minimally invasive attachment.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a constraint device with a tether structure and anchor member, where the anchor is attached to the sacrum using a bone removal tool to create a recessed region, allowing secure coupling to the sacrum or coccyx, and includes compliance members to resist spinal segment flexion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current spinal implants using tether structures are used, then spinal stability is achieved, but the procedure becomes invasive and irreversible with risks of nerve damage and spinous process erosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidnerve damage and spinous process erosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sacral anchor as an intermediary attachment point that distributes the load from the tether structure across the sacrum rather than concentrating it on the spinous processes. This mediator component (the anchor with bone engagement features) reduces harmful stress concentrations that cause spinous process erosion and nerve damage, while maintaining the desired spinal stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The implant system is segmented into distinct functional components: the tether structure for providing tensile resistance, the compliance member for allowing controlled motion, and the sacral anchor for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall harm while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If tether structures are attached to small or sloping spinous processes, then spinal support is provided, but attachment security becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal supportVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the attachment strategy from a one-dimensional approach (relying on the geometry of spinous processes) to a three-dimensional approach by engaging the sacrum with multi-directional bone engagement features. The anchor can engage the sacrum from multiple directions and depths, providing secure attachment regardless of spinous process geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the attachment location parameter from the spinous processes to the sacrum, which offers superior geometric characteristics for anchor engagement. The sacrum provides a broader, more accessible surface with favorable bone density and geometry that enhances attachment security and simplifies the implantation procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12599421B2Sacral tether anchor and methods of use

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 EMPIRICAL SPINE INC

AI summary

A system for restricting flexion of a spinal segment in a patient comprises a constraint device having a tether structure and a compliance member coupled with the tether structure. The tether structure is adapted to be coupled with a superior spinous process and a sacrum. The system also includes an anchor member that is anchored to the sacrum. The anchor member has an attachment feature that is adapted to couple with the constraint device.