Spinal Coupler Telescopic Slide Mechanism for Adaptive Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal deformity correction methods often rigidly stabilize the spinal column, limiting natural movement and growth potential, and fail to provide adaptive solutions for maintaining correction without permanent fusion.
Innovation Solution
A coupler system for an implantable spinal correction system that includes telescopic slide members and an actuator mechanism, allowing for lateral translation and derotation of the spine, while maintaining freedom of movement in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions, and providing secondary stabilization with a shorter rod for promoting fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixation systems are used to stabilize the spinal column, then spinal stability is improved, but natural movement and growth potential are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic connectors with telescopic slide members that allow controlled movement between stabilizing members. The slide members can translate along the longitudinal axis, enabling the system to adapt to spinal growth and natural movement while maintaining stability. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both stabilization and adaptability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of the effective length of connectors through the telescopic mechanism, changing the physical parameters of the stabilization system. This enables the system to maintain appropriate tension and stability while accommodating spinal growth and movement, thus resolving the contradiction between rigid stability and natural adaptability.
2Reliability
If permanent fusion is performed to maintain correction, then spinal deformity correction is improved, but freedom of movement and natural spine function are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic connectors with telescopic capabilities allow the spine to maintain correction while preserving natural movement. The system provides reliable correction maintenance through adjustable stabilization rather than permanent fusion, enabling the spine to function naturally while corrected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for non-permanent, adjustable stabilization that can be modified as the spine heals and adapts. The telescopic connectors can be adjusted to maintain correction while allowing natural spine function, eliminating the need for permanent fusion and preserving spinal flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid stabilization is applied to correct spinal deformity, then deformity correction is improved, but adaptive growth and remodeling are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic slide members provide dynamic adjustment capability that maintains accurate deformity correction while allowing spinal growth and remodeling. The system can be adjusted to maintain correction accuracy as the spine grows and adapts, resolving the contradiction between precise correction and adaptive growth.
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
Enables natural range of motion within pre-selected limits, allows for correction and stabilization of spinal deformities, and facilitates spine remodeling without permanent fusion, maintaining axial rotation and flexure freedom.
Implementation Method 1
A drive member extends through the central bores of the first and second slide members and an actuator is coupled with the drive member such that rotation of the actuator causes rotation of the drive member resulting in relative, longitudinal movement between the first and second slide members.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system provides for lateral translational corrective force(s) and/or derotational corrective force(s) on a spinal column and includes highly adaptive hardware for connecting the system to the spinal column, where the hardware facilitates a more natural range of motion within pre-selected limits and application of such lateral translational and/or derotational corrective force(s). The upper and lower vertebral segments retain freedom of movement while an apical or restricted segment is restricted from relative vertebral movement. A central segment controls primary rod roll while the rod is free to change in pitch, yaw and roll at the upper (superior) and lower (inferior) segments.