Spinal Arthroplasty Revision System Biomechanics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion surgeries often result in complications such as continued pain, nerve irritation, and poor alignment due to the limitations of existing devices in altering or revising the biomechanics of implanted arthroplasty devices, which can lead to incomplete or inadequate stabilization of the spine.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for revising implanted spinal arthroplasty devices by removing and replacing components to alter biomechanical characteristics, such as attaching revision components to existing arthroplasty devices to change or eliminate motion between vertebrae, using attachment devices and mechanisms to modify the biomechanical relationship between cephalad and caudal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full removal of existing spinal arthroplasty implants is performed to revise biomechanics, then complete stabilization and correction of spinal alignment can be achieved, but surgical complexity, operating time, and risk of complications increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The revision system divides the implant into separable components (retaining elements that remain in place and revision elements that are added or modified). This allows partial revision without complete removal, reducing surgical complexity while maintaining stabilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of biomechanical properties by adding revision elements (such as rods, screws, or fusion cages) to modify motion characteristics without removing the entire implant, enabling progressive stabilization.
2Productivity
If existing arthroplasty device components are retained and revision components are attached, then surgical time and complexity are reduced, but the ability to achieve complete biomechanical correction may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The revision elements are designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can be configured in multiple ways to achieve different biomechanical outcomes. The same retaining elements can support various revision configurations depending on the specific correction needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Revision components are designed to attach to and integrate with the existing implant structure, with smaller elements nesting within or onto larger components. This allows multiple functional elements to be combined without requiring complete implant removal.
3Reliability
If revision components are attached to alter motion between vertebrae, then spinal alignment and stabilization are improved, but the structural complexity of the implanted device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the original arthroplasty device with revision components into an integrated construct. The revision elements combine with the retaining elements to form a unified stabilization system that leverages both components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present method includes the following steps: removing a portion of a previously implanted spinal arthroplasty device; and attaching a revision component to a remaining portion of the previously implanted spinal arthroplasty device to alter a biomechanical characteristic of the implanted arthroplasty device. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of limiting motion between adjacent vertebrae including the steps of accessing an implanted spinal arthroplasty device comprising a cephalad component fixed to a first vertebra and a caudal component fixed to a second vertebra inferior to the first vertebra, the cephalad and caudal components having a range of motion between them, and attaching a revision component to the cephalad and caudal components to reduce the range of motion. The invention also includes revision devices for revising the biomechanics of implanted spinal arthroplasty devices.