External Spinal Distraction System Using Shoulder Girdle Leverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for scoliosis, particularly in adolescents, often require long-term use of invasive surgical methods or cumbersome braces, which can be burdensome and may not be necessary for all patients, while non-surgical options are limited in countries with socialized medicine, necessitating a more efficient and dynamic distraction method to manage Cobb angles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic loading and leveraged anatomical distraction system utilizing the shoulder girdle for cyclical loading, with electrical drive motors and feedback from load cells, to provide a more efficient and effective therapy that can reduce Cobb angles without surgical implants, incorporating active shoulder girdle engagement and cyclical distraction to optimize spinal flexibility and compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical approaches (Harrington rods or pedicle screws) are used to correct spinal deformities, then the correction effectiveness is improved, but the invasiveness and complexity of treatment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the correction function from invasive surgical implants and relocates it to an external wearable device. The external corset applies corrective forces through skin and soft tissue without requiring surgical implantation of rods or screws, thereby eliminating the need for complex surgical hardware while maintaining correction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces skin and soft tissue as an intermediary medium to transmit corrective forces from the external corset to the spine. This intermediary approach allows force transmission without direct surgical contact with bone, reducing invasiveness while maintaining correction capability
2Reliability
If traditional braces are used to slow deformity progression, then the treatment coverage is improved, but the compliance burden and treatment duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities in the external corset, allowing real-time modification of corrective forces and wear schedule. This enables customization of treatment intensity and duration based on patient response, improving compliance by reducing burden while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of brace application by using a corset design that distributes forces through skin and soft tissue rather than rigid contact points. This parameter change reduces discomfort and makes the device more tolerable for extended wear, thereby improving compliance
3Reliability
If more force is applied through braces to achieve correction, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the discomfort and skin pressure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the corrective force application into multiple distributed contact points through the corset structure. Instead of concentrating force at rigid anchor points, the segmented design distributes pressure across larger skin areas, reducing discomfort while maintaining overall correction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible corset materials that conform to the body's surface, distributing forces evenly across soft tissue. This flexible interface reduces peak skin pressures and discomfort compared to rigid brace structures, enabling effective force application without harmful pressure concentrations
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 offers a potentially shorter, more effective therapy by leveraging the shoulder girdle for increased torque and reducing spinal deformity progression, enhancing compliance and treatment outcomes, while providing visual and auditory feedback for patient engagement and monitoring progress.
Implementation Method 1
electrical drive motors
Implementation Method 2
feedback from load cells
Data Source
AI summary
Spinal distraction systems including methods of use.