Sleeved Spring Spinal Stabilization Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinal fixation devices are excessively rigid, leading to complications such as 'junctional syndrome' and 'fusion disease,' and existing flexible devices lack long-term stability and durability, with complex surgical techniques and mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
A stabilization element featuring a spring element with helical coils and adjustable sleeves that engage bone anchors, allowing for customizable length and flexibility to provide balanced spinal stabilization without excessive rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid spinal fixation devices are used, then immediate postoperative stability is achieved, but junctional syndrome and fusion disease occur due to excessive rigidity preventing normal spinal movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid fixation devices with dynamic spring-based stabilization elements that allow controlled movement. The spring mechanism provides immediate stability while permitting physiological spinal motion, thereby preventing junctional syndrome and fusion disease caused by excessive rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter from fixed (rigid rods/plates) to variable (spring elements with adjustable stiffness). The spring constant and geometry can be modified to achieve optimal balance between stability and flexibility, resolving the contradiction between immediate stability and prevention of movement-related complications.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid rods or plates are used to prevent spinal movement, then spinal column stability is improved, but patient mobility decreases and stress on adjacent spinal joints increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-based stabilization element dynamically adapts to spinal movement requirements. It maintains spinal column stability while allowing controlled patient mobility, reducing stress on adjacent joints by distributing loads through elastic deformation rather than rigid constraint.
3Ease of operation
If flexible spinal fixation devices are used to allow movement, then patient mobility is improved, but long-term stability and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element parameters (wire diameter, coil diameter, number of coils, material properties) are carefully selected and adjustable to achieve optimal balance between flexibility for patient mobility and rigidity for long-term stability. The modular design allows parameter customization based on specific clinical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining spring elements with bone anchors and fixation components. This composite approach integrates the flexibility of springs with the strength of anchored fixation, achieving both patient mobility and long-term stability simultaneously.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If existing flexible stabilization devices are used, then rigid fixation complications are reduced, but device complexity and surgical technique difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system is segmented into modular components (spring element, bone anchors, fixation interfaces) that can be independently selected and assembled. This modularity simplifies surgical technique by allowing standardized procedures and reducing the need for complex custom configurations, while still providing flexible stabilization to prevent rigid fixation complications.
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 solution provides adjustable and flexible spinal stabilization, minimizing complications associated with rigid fixation, enhancing long-term stability and durability, and simplifying surgical procedures by allowing for varying degrees of flexibility and ease of adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element including a plurality of helical coils terminating at first and second ends
Implementation Method 2
at least one sleeve including at least one threaded bore sized and shaped to thread onto the helical coils of the spring element
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilization element for implantation in a patient includes: a spring element including a plurality of helical coils terminating at first and second ends; and at least one sleeve including at least one bore sized and shaped to slide or thread onto the helical coils of the spring element, the at least one sleeve being operable to engage a tulip of a bone anchor.