Semi-Constrained Spinal Anchoring System for Natural Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for correcting spinal deformities often require multiple attachment anchors and rigid hardware, which can limit natural motion and growth of the spinal column.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a substantially rigid rod with adjustable anchors that allow axial translation and changes in pitch and yaw, minimizing the number of attachment anchors and promoting natural spinal motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple attachment anchors and rigid hardware are used to correct spinal deformities, then the stability and correction effectiveness are improved, but the limitation of natural motion and growth of the spinal column worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The rod anchor system transitions from rigid fixed anchors to dynamic anchors that permit controlled motion. The rod is configured to allow translation and rotation relative to the vertebral bodies, enabling the system to adapt to natural spinal motion and growth while maintaining correction effectiveness through controlled constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mechanical parameters of the anchor-rod interface by introducing controlled degrees of freedom. The rod anchors are designed with specific geometric features that allow translation along the rod axis and rotation about it, fundamentally changing from a rigid fixed parameter to a dynamic controlled motion parameter.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple attachment anchors are used for spinal correction, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential stabilizing function from multiple complex attachment anchors and concentrates it into a simplified rod-anchor system. By removing unnecessary anchors and hardware components, the system achieves structural stability through the engineered motion-permitting characteristics of fewer, more sophisticated anchor-rod interfaces.
3Reliability
If rigid hardware systems are used to stabilize the spinal column, then the fusion facilitation is improved, but the limitation of spinal column movement worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware system transitions from static rigid stabilization to dynamic controlled stabilization. The rod and anchor configuration provides sufficient stability to facilitate fusion while simultaneously permitting natural spinal movement through controlled degrees of freedom, eliminating the need for completely rigid fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and associated methods for correcting spinal column deformities that help minimize a number of attachment anchors utilized for correction, facilitate use of straight or contoured rods, and/or help promote a more natural, physiologic motion of the spinal column.