Segmented Laminoplasty Plate for Cervical Spine Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current laminoplasty procedures for treating cervical stenosis face challenges such as significant muscle and tissue damage, difficulty in precise adjustments due to the small size of cervical vertebrae, insufficient increase in spinal canal area, and asymmetrical spinal balance, along with limitations in existing laminoplasty plates that are too large, lack stability, and are cumbersome for less invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A laminoplasty plate with a proximal and distal end portion defined by different planes, and a lamina setting tool that controllably elevates and secures the lamina portion, allowing for a greater spinal canal area and improved stability, with the plate designed for secure attachment to cervical vertebrae and facilitating bone fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large incision is made to reach the spine and strip muscle and ligament attachments, then the surgeon can access the cervical vertebrae, but significant muscle and tissue damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The laminoplasty plate is divided into multiple segments including a body portion, a first arm extending from the body, and a second arm extending from the body. Each segment can be independently positioned and secured to different anatomical structures (lamina, lateral mass, spinous process), allowing minimally invasive access while maintaining stable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The laminoplasty plate serves as an intermediary device that connects the lamina, lateral mass, and spinous process without requiring direct exposure or attachment of muscle and ligament tissues. The plate mediates the structural relationship between these bony elements, enabling surgical access through smaller incisions.
2Ease of operation
If existing laminoplasty plates are used, then they can be inserted into the surgical site, but they are too large and lack stability for secure attachment to cervical vertebrae
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the laminoplasty plate have specialized local qualities optimized for their specific functions: the body portion has a curved configuration matching the cervical spine anatomy, the first arm has engagement features for the lamina, and the second arm has engagement features for the spinous process. This localized optimization provides both minimal invasiveness and maximum stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The laminoplasty plate incorporates adjustable and adaptable features that allow it to conform to the dynamic anatomy of the cervical spine. The plate can be positioned and secured in different configurations to accommodate variations in vertebral anatomy and surgical requirements, providing stable attachment while adapting to the surgical site.
3Area of stationary object
If the lamina is repositioned to enlarge the spinal canal, then the spinal canal area increases, but precise adjustments are difficult due to the small size of cervical vertebrae
Solution Approach 1:
The laminoplasty plate replaces manual mechanical manipulation of the lamina with a controlled system of engagement features, arms, and securing mechanisms. This substitution allows for precise, reproducible positioning of the lamina at predetermined distances from the vertebral body, overcoming the limitations of manual adjustment in the confined cervical surgical field.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the lamina is lifted off the dura to decompress the spinal cord, then spinal cord compression is relieved, but postural deformities may occur due to removal of supporting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The laminoplasty plate merges multiple supporting structures into a single integrated construct that spans from the lamina through the lateral mass to the spinous process. This combination creates a stable triangular configuration that maintains postural alignment while allowing the lamina to be repositioned for decompression. The plate preserves the functional relationship between these structures without requiring removal of supporting tissues.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A laminoplasty plate for securing a separated lamina portion of a desired cervical vertebra in a relief position and a method of using the same to perform a laminoplasty. In one aspect, a lamina setting tool is presented for positioning the lamina portion of the desired cervical vertebra in the relief position. In one aspect, the tool has a first sidewall section that slides in longitudinal relation to a second sidewall section.