Segmented Rod Spinal Correction Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical treatments for early onset scoliosis, such as growing rod systems and vertebral body tethering, require frequent surgeries, are costly, and pose risks of infection and high skill requirements, while magnetically controlled growing rods have limitations in correcting sagittal and coronal misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising first and second tubes with rods slidably disposed within, fixed to vertebrae using pedicle screws, allowing for resilient bias and growth modulation, reducing the need for frequent surgeries and improving alignment correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional growing rod systems are used, then scoliosis correction is achieved, but multiple surgeries every 5-6 months are required for rod lengthening
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a dynamic lengthening mechanism where the rod can be extended through controlled mechanical action. The rod includes a proximal segment, distal segment, and intermediate segment that can be relative moved to achieve lengthening, eliminating the need for repeated surgical interventions while maintaining correction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The rod is divided into multiple segments (proximal, distal, and intermediate) that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows the rod to be lengthened by adjusting the relative positions of segments rather than requiring complete rod replacement or surgical lengthening, reducing the frequency of surgeries
2Ease of operation
If magnetically controlled growing rods are used, then rod lengthening can be done without general anesthesia, but sagittal and coronal misalignment correction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a dynamic lengthening mechanism where the rod can be extended through controlled mechanical action. The rod includes a proximal segment, distal segment, and intermediate segment that can be relative moved to achieve lengthening, eliminating the need for repeated surgical interventions while maintaining correction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The rod is divided into multiple segments (proximal, distal, and intermediate) that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows the rod to be lengthened by adjusting the relative positions of segments rather than requiring complete rod replacement or surgical lengthening, reducing the frequency of surgeries
3Adaptability or versatility
If growth-guided devices with spinal fusion are used, then the spine is allowed to grow on its own, but rod breakage risk increases requiring additional surgeries
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a dynamic lengthening mechanism where the rod can be extended through controlled mechanical action. The rod includes a proximal segment, distal segment, and intermediate segment that can be relative moved to achieve lengthening, eliminating the need for repeated surgical interventions while maintaining correction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The rod is divided into multiple segments (proximal, distal, and intermediate) that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows the rod to be lengthened by adjusting the relative positions of segments rather than requiring complete rod replacement or surgical lengthening, reducing the frequency of surgeries
4Ease of manufacture
If vertebral body tethering is used, then fusionless surgery is achieved, but extremely high surgical skill and expertise are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a dynamic lengthening mechanism where the rod can be extended through controlled mechanical action. The rod includes a proximal segment, distal segment, and intermediate segment that can be relative moved to achieve lengthening, eliminating the need for repeated surgical interventions while maintaining correction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The rod is divided into multiple segments (proximal, distal, and intermediate) that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows the rod to be lengthened by adjusting the relative positions of segments rather than requiring complete rod replacement or surgical lengthening, reducing the frequency of surgeries
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 device allows for effective correction of scoliotic curvature with fewer surgeries, reduced risk of complications, and improved alignment, addressing the limitations of existing methods by facilitating growth and stability without the need for frequent interventions.
Implementation Method 1
The lower end of the first rod is resiliently biased with respect to the closed end of the first tube
Data Source
AI summary
The device for treating early onset scoliosis includes first and second tubes having first and second rods slidably disposed therein. The first tube is adapted for fixation to at least one middle vertebra of a patient's spine such that an open end thereof faces upward and a closed end thereof faces downward. The second tube is also adapted for fixation to at least one middle vertebra such that an open end thereof faces downward and a closed end thereof faces upward. A lower end of the first rod is positioned within the first tube and is resiliently biased. An upper end of the first rod is adapted for fixation to at least one upper vertebra. An upper end of the second rod is positioned within the second tube and is resiliently biased. A lower end of the second rod is adapted for fixation to at least one lower vertebra.