Subcutaneous Spinal Alignment Device with Incremental Gear Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for correcting scoliosis are invasive, costly, and often result in incomplete spinal alignment, with risks including neurological damage, infection, and bone fracture due to the application of large forces on the spine.
Innovation Solution
A subcutaneous implantable device with a bracing assembly, rod, gear mechanism, and cable system that allows for gradual spinal alignment using minimally invasive techniques, employing bioabsorbable materials and an expandable anchoring mechanism to apply controlled forces over time, reducing the need for extensive vertebral drilling and minimizing tissue disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used to correct scoliosis, then spinal alignment can be achieved, but the procedure becomes invasive with high risk of complications
Solution Approach 1:
The corrective force application is segmented into multiple small adjustments rather than one large correction. The device allows incremental rotation of the rod in 5-degree increments, dividing the total correction into manageable steps that reduce the risk of sudden structural failure or nerve damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rigid rod to a dynamic adjustable rod that can be rotated incrementally. The rod's position is not fixed but can be dynamically adjusted through controlled rotation, allowing the spine to adapt to gradual changes rather than sudden rigid repositioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If large forces are applied to correct severe spinal curves, then alignment improvement is achieved, but the risk of bone fracture and nerve damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying the full corrective force at once, the system applies partial corrections in small increments. Each rod rotation provides a portion of the total corrective action, allowing the bone and surrounding tissues to adapt gradually without being subjected to excessive force that could cause fracture or nerve damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction process uses periodic small adjustments rather than continuous large forces. The incremental rotation mechanism allows for repeated small corrections over time, with each adjustment followed by a period of adaptation, reducing the cumulative stress on bone and nerve structures.
3Strength
If extensive vertebral drilling is performed to secure anchors, then strong anchoring is achieved, but tissue disruption and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the anchoring function from complex extensive drilling procedures. Instead of requiring multiple large drill holes through vertebrae, the system uses a simplified anchoring mechanism that can be secured with minimal drilling, removing the harmful aspect of extensive tissue disruption while maintaining the essential function of secure attachment.
4Reliability
If traditional braces are used to prevent further deterioration, then progression is slowed, but full recovery to correct alignment is rarely achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by establishing a stable anchored rod system that creates a framework for subsequent incremental correction. The anchors and rod are installed first to provide structural support, then the rod is gradually rotated to achieve alignment, combining stabilization with active correction capability.
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 enables gradual and controlled correction of spinal curvature, reducing the risk of complications such as bone fracture and nerve damage, while allowing for endoscopic or percutaneous procedures that minimize tissue disruption and promote safer, more effective spinal alignment.
Implementation Method 1
employing bioabsorbable materials and an expandable anchoring mechanism to apply controlled forces over time
Implementation Method 2
A subcutaneous implantable device with a bracing assembly, rod, gear mechanism, and cable system that allows for gradual spinal alignment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4A
AI summary
A subcutaneous implantable device for aligning a spine having a plurality of vertebrae including a first brace assembly secured to a first vertebra of the spine, a second brace assembly secured to a second vertebra of the spine, a rod secured by the at least two brace assemblies, the rod arranged for limited sliding movement within the at least two brace assemblies, a gear mechanism attached to the rod, a control means attached to the gear mechanism, and a cable fixedly secured to a third vertebra of the spine by an anchor. The third vertebra is located between the first and second vertebrae, and the cable is arranged for pulling the third vertebra towards the rod. A subcutaneous implantable device for gradually lengthening a bone.