Segmented Spinal Rod Assembly for Gradual Curvature Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for scoliosis, particularly severe cases, often require invasive surgery that comes with significant risks and complications, such as stiffness, chronic back pain, and loss of normal spinal motion due to fusion, and there is a need for a simpler and safer method to prevent progression to major curvature and maintain spinal mobility.
Innovation Solution
A segmented rod assembly for gradual three-dimensional spinal alignment, comprising a hollow rod segmented into pieces that can be contoured to approximate the ideal spinal configuration, with cables or a flexible shaft to draw the segments together, allowing for gradual correction of spinal curvature without fusion, using a ratcheting mechanism activated subcutaneously to tighten the cables and restore alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If segmental instrumented spinal fusion is performed to treat severe scoliosis, then spinal alignment is corrected, but normal spinal motion is lost and chronic back pain occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned and adjusted along the spinal column, allowing correction of alignment while preserving segmental motion capabilities through non-fusion means
Solution Approach 2:
The rod segments are designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, enabling gradual correction of spinal curvature while maintaining the ability to move with spinal growth and physiological motion
2Manufacturing precision
If major robotic surgery is performed to correct severe scoliosis, then spinal alignment is improved, but the risk of complications such as death, paralysis, and infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The procedure is divided into less invasive stages with modular rod segments that can be implanted through smaller incisions, reducing surgical trauma and associated risks while achieving the same alignment correction
Solution Approach 2:
The rod segments are pre-contoured to the required configuration before implantation, allowing precise alignment correction without requiring complex intraoperative manipulation or extensive surgical exposure
3Manufacturing precision
If segmental instrumented spinal fusion is performed, then severe curvature is corrected, but stiffness and hardware failure occur in the long term
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented rod design allows the spinal construct to remain dynamic and flexible rather than rigid, accommodating physiological motion and reducing stress concentrations that lead to hardware failure
Solution Approach 2:
The rod segments can be adjusted to change the mechanical parameters of the spinal construct, optimizing the balance between stability for correction and flexibility for motion preservation
4Reliability
If early treatment with bracing is used, then progression to major curvature may be prevented, but full recovery to correct spinal alignment is rarely achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented rod system can be applied early in the disease process to prevent progression, and its adjustable nature allows it to continue correcting alignment as the patient grows, achieving both prevention and correction goals
Solution Approach 2:
The system remains adjustable over time to accommodate growth and progressively achieve full alignment correction, rather than being a fixed early intervention that cannot be optimized later
Data Source
AI summary
A segmented rod assembly for aligning a spine having a plurality of vertebrae, including a rod, including a plurality of segments, the plurality of segments having at least a first segment arranged to be slidingly secured to a first vertebra of the spine, a second segment arranged to be fixedly secured to a second vertebra of the spine, and a third segment arranged between the first and second segments to be connected to a third vertebra of the spine, a tensioning member arranged within the plurality of segments, the tensioning member having a first end secured to the first segment and a second end.