Artificial Spinal Disc Replacement with Spring Articulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional spinal fusion surgeries often result in the unnecessary elimination of spinal range-of-motion, increased stress on adjacent vertebrae, subsequent disc breakdown, and persistent pain, as they permanently stabilize the injured area by fusing vertebrae.

Innovation Solution

An artificial spinal disc replacement system using laparoscopic techniques with an articulating implant comprising upper and lower brackets attached via springs, allowing for preservation of intervertebral space and range-of-motion without immobilization, utilizing adhesive for fixation instead of screws, and being modular for adjustable placement along the spinal column.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If spinal fusion surgery is performed to stabilize the injured area, then stability is improved, but range-of-motion is eliminated and stress on adjacent vertebrae increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of spinal areaVSAvoidrange-of-motion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The artificial disc replacement uses springs to provide dynamic stabilization, allowing the implant to adapt to movement forces while maintaining stability. The springs enable controlled motion between vertebrae rather than complete fusion, resolving the contradiction between stability and range-of-motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the spinal area by introducing elastic elements (springs) that can compress and extend. This allows the system to maintain stability through elastic deformation rather than rigid fusion, preserving range-of-motion while providing stabilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If spinal fusion surgery is performed to stabilize the injured area, then stability is improved, but adjacent vertebrae breakdown occurs due to increased stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of spinal areaVSAvoidrisk of adjacent vertebrae breakdown

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic spring mechanism distributes stress dynamically across the spinal area rather than concentrating it at fixed fusion points. This dynamic load distribution reduces the risk of adjacent vertebrae breakdown while maintaining overall stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The springs act as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses before they can cause damage to adjacent vertebrae. This prior cushioning effect protects the adjacent bone structures from excessive stress concentrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional surgical techniques are used for disc replacement, then disc removal is achieved, but invasive procedures and complications increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisc removal capabilityVSAvoidsurgical complications

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The artificial disc with spring mechanism serves as an intermediary device that facilitates disc replacement while minimizing direct trauma to surrounding structures. The design allows for less invasive surgical techniques by providing a self-contained implant system that reduces the need for extensive soft tissue dissection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach reduces the risk of adjacent vertebrae breakdown, maintains full range-of-motion, minimizes post-operative complications, and decreases hospital stay and recovery time by allowing for minimally invasive surgery with fewer incisions and reduced need for post-operative care.

Implementation Method 1

attached to upper/lower spinal vertebrae respectively via adhesive means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

upper bracket further comprising springs... upper bracket springs into lower bracket spring guide track

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7491240B1Artificial spinal disc replacement system and method

Publication Date: 2009.02.17 CARVER DONNA JEAN

AI summary

An artificial spinal disc implant system for intervertebral disc replacement (0810) is disclosed which is formed from an upper (0801) and lower (0802) bracket which mate to upper and lower spinal vertebrae via upper (0831) and lower (0832) vertebral contact surfaces on the upper (0801) and lower (0802) brackets. The upper (0801) and lower (0802) brackets are joined together via springs (0811) connected to the upper bracket (0801) which rest in spring guide tracks (0812) on the lower bracket. The springs (0811) are connected to the upper bracket (0801) via the use of spring fasteners (0821, 0822). The upper (0801) and lower (0802) brackets may be installed in sections (0851, 0861, 0871, 0852, 0862, 0872) using laparoscopic surgical techniques and are attached to upper/lower spinal vertebrae respectively via adhesive means applied using injection holes/ports (0841, 0842) in the upper (0801) and lower (0802) brackets respectively.