Spinal Derotation Linkage for Stable En Bloc Vertebral Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical correction of spinal deformities, such as scoliosis and kyphosis, is time-consuming and cumbersome due to the difficulty in maintaining derotation of vertebrae during manipulation, often requiring additional assistance to stabilize the spinal column and implants.
Innovation Solution
A method involving clamps coupled to screw extensions on vertebrae, with a linkage mechanism to maintain the clamps in a fixed position, allowing derotation and stabilization of multiple vertebrae simultaneously, enabling further correction maneuvers without additional user assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of vertebrae is performed during surgical correction, then derotation can be achieved, but additional assistance is required to maintain derotation and stabilize the spinal column
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a linkage assembly as an intermediary device between the surgical instruments and the vertebrae. This linkage assembly includes connecting elements that couple to bone anchors in multiple vertebrae and can be locked in different configurations to maintain derotation. The intermediary device allows the surgeon to perform derotation maneuvers and then lock the position, eliminating the need for continuous manual stabilization by additional assistants during subsequent correction maneuvers.
2Reliability
If multiple operators are used to stabilize the spinal column, then derotation can be maintained, but the surgical procedure becomes more cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage assembly is designed to be self-stabilizing through its locking mechanism. Once the desired derotation position is achieved, the linkage can be locked in place, maintaining the derotated position without requiring continuous active stabilization by additional operators. This self-service capability allows the surgical team to proceed with correction maneuvers independently, improving surgical efficiency while maintaining reliability of derotation stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If forces are applied to vertebrae during manipulation, then realignment can be achieved, but stresses on the spinal column and implants increase
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage assembly is configured to distribute forces across multiple vertebrae through its connecting elements that couple to bone anchors in different vertebral levels. By spreading the mechanical load across multiple attachment points rather than concentrating force at a single location, the system achieves the necessary vertebral realignment while reducing peak stresses on individual implants and the spinal column, thereby protecting implant durability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for en bloc derotating a spinal column are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method can include manipulating first and second frames coupled respectively to a first set of vertebrae and a second set of vertebrae to derotate the first and second sets of vertebrae relative to one another, and subsequently locking a linkage assembly coupled respectively to the first and second frames to maintain the first and second sets of vertebrae in a derotated position.