Spinal Derotation Tower Assembly for Precise Vertebral Realignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing treatments for spinal irregularities such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis fail to address the curvature and/or rotation of the spine, leading to pain, limited motion, and potential injury to the nervous system.

Innovation Solution

A derotation system comprising derotation towers, clamp members, and handle assemblies that allow for the adjustment of spinal curvature and rotation through the use of derotation tubes, clamp members, and handle assemblies, which engage anchor members to adjust the position and alignment of vertebrae.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical therapy and bracing are used to treat spinal irregularities, then the treatment is non-invasive and avoids surgery, but the curvature and rotation of the spine cannot be effectively corrected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of treatmentVSAvoidability to correct curvature and rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces derotation towers as intermediary devices that connect to anchor members already implanted in the spine. These towers serve as mediators between the existing anchor members and the corrective force application point, enabling rotation and curvature correction without requiring removal or replacement of the anchor members themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The derotation system is divided into separate modular components: anchor members that remain fixed in the spine, derotation towers that attach to these anchors, and external or internal mechanisms that apply corrective forces. This segmentation allows the system to correct spinal irregularities while maintaining the stability of the implanted anchor members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If surgical procedures are used to realign the spine, then curvature correction is achieved, but the procedure is invasive and carries surgical risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal alignment precisionVSAvoidsurgical invasion and risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system requires preliminary implantation of anchor members into the spine before the derotation towers can be attached and used for correction. This preliminary action creates a stable foundation that enables subsequent non-invasive or minimally invasive derotation procedures, avoiding the need for repeated surgical interventions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The derotation towers provide dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the spine to be gradually realigned through controlled rotation and positioning. This dynamic approach enables precise alignment correction while avoiding the abrupt, invasive surgical manipulation of spinal structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple anchor members are implanted to stabilize the spine, then spinal stability is improved, but the complexity of the surgical procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidnumber of implanted components

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The derotation towers are designed to attach to multiple different anchor member types and configurations, providing a universal interface that works with various spinal fixation systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for each anchor type, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the presence of multiple anchors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the functions of spinal stabilization (provided by anchor members) and derotation/alignment correction (provided by the towers) into a single integrated construct. This combination eliminates the need for separate devices and procedures, reducing overall complexity despite the multi-component nature of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If derotation towers are attached to anchor members to enable rotation adjustment, then spinal derotation capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation adjustment capabilityVSAvoidstructure of derotation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The derotation tower is segmented into distinct functional components: an attachment interface for the anchor member, a rotation mechanism for derotation, and connection points for corrective elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The derotation tower incorporates dynamic rotation mechanisms that allow adjustment of spinal orientation. These dynamic elements provide the necessary adaptability for derotation while being designed to maintain stability once the desired position is achieved, balancing versatility with manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250387142A1Orthopedic derotation devices and methods of installation thereof

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 GLOBUS MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Embodiments herein are generally directed to derotation systems, apparatuses, and components thereof that can be used in spinal derotation procedures, as well as methods of installation. The derotation systems may include a plurality of derotation towers and clamp members.