Spinal Connection Device with Compression and Traction Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current posterior spinal surgery techniques face challenges in effectively stabilizing the spine while allowing for motion preservation, particularly in cases of scoliosis and degenerative conditions, as existing devices often restrict articulation and do not adequately address complex spinal deformities or growth-related issues.
Innovation Solution
A surgical connection device featuring a stabilization member with compression and traction arms that apply controlled compressive and tensile forces to spinal rods and anchor points, allowing for dynamic stabilization and motion preservation, while also accommodating spinal growth and deformity correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid stabilizing rods and connection devices are used to stabilize the spine, then spinal stability is improved, but spinal motion and articulation are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device incorporates dynamic elements including a dynamic connector with movable components that allow relative motion between stabilizing rods. The compression arm and tension arm assemblies enable controlled movement while maintaining stabilization, allowing the spine to retain natural motion characteristics during healing without compromising structural stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex connection devices with multiple arms are used to correct spinal deformities, then deformity correction capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into distinct functional modules: a dynamic connector portion, a compression arm assembly, and a tension arm assembly. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently adjusted or positioned, allowing complex deformity correction through coordinated action of simpler, well-defined components rather than a single complex monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where the compression and tension arms can be independently positioned and adjusted along the stabilizing rods. This dynamic configurability allows the same basic device structure to adapt to various deformity patterns without requiring multiple different device types, effectively managing complexity through programmable flexibility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If stabilizing rods are secured between anchor points to limit relative movement, then spinal stabilization is improved, but the ability to accommodate growth and gradual realignment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic connector includes movable components that permit controlled relative motion between stabilizing rods while maintaining overall spinal stabilization. This dynamic capability allows the device to accommodate gradual growth in pediatric patients and enable slow, controlled realignment of deformities without requiring complete rigid fixation, thus preserving adaptability while maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical connection device for a spine is disclosed including a stabilization member, compression arms and traction arms, the device being used in conjunction with first anchor points fixed to vertebrae at a first lateral side of the spine and second anchor points fixed to vertebrae at a second lateral side of the spine. A first spinal rod may be attached to the first anchor points and a second spinal rod may be attached to the second anchor points. The compression arms connect the stabilization member to the first and second anchor points or rods and bear compressive forces. The traction arms connect the stabilization member to the first and o second anchor points or rods and bear tensile forces. Application of both tensile and compressive forces via the device may serve to straighten, change a direction of bending or increase a degree of bending of the rods and/or spine. The use of the traction arms may also provide for a more flexible construct.