Telescopic Rod Spinal Adjustment System for Sagittal Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion surgeries often result in sagittal imbalance, leading to patient dissatisfaction and potential complications such as muscle fatigue and pain, due to inadequate maintenance of lumbar lordosis and compression, which can necessitate revision surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive spinal adjustment system comprising a housing with telescopic rods and a driving member, allowing external activation to adjust the curvature of the spine by changing the compression between vertebrae, thereby maintaining or restoring desired lordosis and sagittal balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spinal fusion surgery is performed to treat degenerative disc disease, then pain and instability are reduced, but sagittal imbalance and loss of lumbar lordosis occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the spinal implant to be modified after installation. The rod can be adjusted in length and curvature through an external actuation system, enabling post-surgical optimization of sagittal alignment without requiring revision surgery. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to achieve both stability and proper curvature.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables change in the physical parameters of the spinal implant, specifically the rod length and curvature, through a controlled adjustment mechanism. By allowing modification of these parameters after implantation, the system can correct sagittal imbalance while maintaining the stability achieved during fusion surgery.
2Reliability
If traditional spinal fusion is performed, then disc function is replaced, but fine-tuning of spinal curvature is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-contained within the implant system, with the rod and housing configured to allow the patient or clinician to perform minor adjustments without external surgical intervention. This self-service capability enables fine-tuning of curvature while maintaining the success of the fusion procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms from a static fusion implant to a dynamic adjustable implant, allowing curvature modification through a controlled mechanism that integrates with the fusion hardware. This dynamic feature provides ease of operation for curvature fine-tuning while preserving fusion reliability.
3Force
If lumbar lordosis is not maintained after fusion, then compression between vertebrae is insufficient, but revision surgery may be required
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism incorporates the ability to respond to clinical feedback about lumbar lordosis and vertebral compression. By allowing post-surgical adjustment of rod curvature and length, the system can be modified to achieve the desired compression forces and maintain lordosis, preventing the need for revision surgery while ensuring proper mechanical loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of the rod parameters (length, curvature) to optimize vertebral compression forces. By adjusting these parameters after fusion, the system can ensure adequate compression between vertebrae to maintain lumbar lordosis and improve long-term surgical outcomes without requiring revision.
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 system enables fine-tuning of spinal curvature, reducing symptoms and improving surgical outcomes by maintaining or restoring desired lordosis and sagittal balance, potentially reducing the need for revision surgeries and enhancing patient satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
a first threaded driver threadingly engaging the first threaded portion of the first rod
Data Source
AI summary
A system for non-invasively adjusting the curvature of a spine includes a housing having a first end and a second end, a first rod having a first end telescopically disposed within a cavity of the housing along a first longitudinal axis at the first end of the housing and having a first threaded portion extending thereon, and a second end configured to be coupled to a first portion of a spinal system of a subject, a second rod having a first end telescopically disposed within the cavity along a second longitudinal axis at the second end of the housing and having a second threaded portion extending thereon, and a second end configured to be coupled to a second portion of the spinal system of the subject, a driving member rotatably disposed within the cavity and configured to be activated from a location external to the body of the subject.