Spinal Connecting Element With Elastic Strand And Polymer Envelope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixing systems face challenges such as inability to oppose torsion movements, limited adaptability to natural lordosis, high invasiveness, and requirement for supplementary fixing elements, which complicate the mounting process and do not allow for relaxation or compression between anchoring elements.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element comprising a cable with an elastic strand surrounded by a polymer envelope, allowing for flexibility, rotation resistance, and curvature, which can be used to connect vertebrae dynamically or rigidly without additional fixing elements, enabling adaptation to the lumbar vertebral column and reducing invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid rod is used for spinal connection, then fixed stabilization is achieved during bone fusion, but the vertebrae are immobilized and cannot perform natural movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic connection system that transitions from rigid fixation to controlled mobility. The connecting element incorporates elastic strands within a polymer envelope, allowing the system to adapt between rigid and flexible states based on physiological needs, enabling both stabilization and natural movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element uses composite construction with elastic strands (providing flexibility and energy storage) embedded in a polymer envelope (providing structural support and guidance). This composite structure enables the device to simultaneously provide rigid stabilization when needed and flexible movement when appropriate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a band with support element is used for dynamic connection, then certain movements are allowed, but the device cannot oppose torsion movements and cannot be curved to adapt to natural lordosis
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed with inherent curvature capability through its cable construction, allowing it to conform to the natural lordotic curve of the lumbar spine. The elastic strands within the polymer envelope can bend and flex while maintaining structural integrity, enabling adaptation to spinal curvature.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of elastic strands within a polymer envelope provides both flexibility for natural movements and torsion resistance. The elastic strands resist twisting forces while allowing bending, and the polymer envelope maintains the element's shape and provides additional torsional stiffness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a band connecting element is used, then dynamic connection is achieved, but the device occupies large volume and may contact bones causing pain
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element uses a thin polymer envelope that encases the elastic strands, providing a flexible yet protective covering. This thin-film construction minimizes the overall volume of the connecting element while maintaining its dynamic connection capabilities and preventing direct contact with bone surfaces.
4Ease of manufacture
If support element length is fixed before fitting, then manufacturing is simplified, but the surgeon cannot adjust the distance between screws after tensioning the band
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element incorporates dynamic adjustment capability through its elastic cable construction. The system allows for length adjustment after implantation by tensioning or relaxing the elastic strands within the polymer envelope, enabling intraoperative optimization of the distance between anchoring elements.
5Reliability
If multiple fixing elements are used for mounting, then connection stability is improved, but the mounting process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple fixing functions into a single connecting element. The polymer envelope with embedded elastic strands combines the functions of structural support, flexibility, torsion resistance, and length adjustment that would otherwise require multiple separate components, simplifying the mounting process while maintaining connection stability.
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 solution provides a flexible and resistant connecting element that can be easily mounted, adapts to the natural curvature of the spine, and allows for both dynamic and rigid connections, reducing the complexity and invasiveness of spinal fixation systems while enabling relaxation and compression.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible part including a cable at least partly surrounded by a polymer envelope, the cable including at least one elastic strand coaxial with the envelope
Implementation Method 2
a flexible part including a cable at least partly surrounded by a polymer envelope
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting element for a spinal fixing system that connects at least two implantable connection assemblies including a rod including a flexible part extended at one end at least by a rigid part, the flexible part including a cable at least partly surrounded by a polymer envelope, the cable including at least one elastic strand coaxial with the envelope.