Spinal Anchor with Multi-Directional Connector Mounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for treating spinal column deformities often require vertebrae fusion, which leads to loss of spinal mobility and potential degeneration, and are limited to correcting alignment in one direction at a time, lacking minimally invasive and progressive adjustment capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising elongate members and anchors with threaded shafts and connector mounts allows for simultaneous multi-directional adjustment of vertebrae alignment, using a combination of rigid rods and flexible tethers anchored to vertebrae to correct spinal curvatures without fusion, enabling progressive adjustment and minimizing invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If spinal implants are used to rigidly fix the vertebrae relative to one another, then spinal alignment can be corrected, but spinal mobility is lost and adjacent areas may degenerate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from rigid fixation to dynamic adjustment by providing anchors with multiple connector mounts that allow progressive modification of vertebrae alignment. The system enables adjustable positioning of elongate members to correct alignment in multiple directions while preserving controlled mobility, rather than permanent rigid fusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The spinal correction system is divided into modular components: multiple anchors with separate connector mounts, and adjustable elongate members. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each vertebrae pair, enabling multi-directional correction while maintaining flexibility and avoiding complete rigid fusion.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods are used to correct spinal deformities, then alignment can be modified, but only one direction can be corrected at a time
Solution Approach 1:
Each anchor is designed with multiple connector mounts that can accommodate elongate members for correction in different directions simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows a single implant to address multiple alignment issues (lateral, forward, rearward curvatures) without requiring separate procedures for each direction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fusion procedures are performed, then spinal alignment is corrected, but healing time is extended and complications may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the patient's own bone and tissue growth processes to achieve stabilization without requiring artificial fusion. The adjustable anchors and elongate members work with natural bone healing, allowing progressive alignment correction while the body naturally strengthens the spinal column, reducing both healing time and fusion-related 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 system effectively corrects spinal deformities by allowing simultaneous multi-directional alignment adjustments, preserving spinal mobility and reducing recovery time by stimulating bone and tissue growth through controlled loading and movement, while minimizing complications and healing time.
Implementation Method 1
A thread extends along the shaft for advancing the shaft into the bone and holding the shaft in place in the bone
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor for attaching an elongate member to bone. The anchor includes a longitudinal shaft having a tip at one end adapted to enter bone. A thread extends along the shaft for advancing the shaft into the bone and holding the shaft in place in the bone. A head is mounted on the shaft at a position spaced from the tip. The anchor also includes connector mounts spaced along the head. Each mount is adapted to connect the elongate member to the head.