Spinal Implant Spacer Asymmetric Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implants only control motion between adjacent spinal segments but fail to alter the manner in which these segments move, limiting their effectiveness in achieving positive patient outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A spinal implant spacer member with a composite structure featuring sections of differing flexibility, which repositions the centers of rotation for flexion and extension by asymmetric deformation, and can be coupled with tethering systems to enhance stability and prevent displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple spacer implant is used to control motion between spinal segments, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot alter the manner in which spinal segments move
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer implant is divided into multiple sections with different flexibility characteristics. The first section has a first flexibility characteristic while the second section has a second flexibility characteristic, allowing each segment to contribute differently to motion control and movement pattern alteration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the spacer are assigned different flexibility properties to create asymmetric deformation characteristics. This local differentiation enables the implant to selectively control and alter movement patterns in specific regions while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a composite structure with different flexibility sections is used to alter movement patterns, then the ability to modify centers of rotation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer implant incorporates multiple sections with different flexibility characteristics that can be manufactured as a composite structure. This allows the implant to achieve asymmetric deformation and center of rotation repositioning capabilities while maintaining manufacturability through integrated composite design.
3Reliability
If looped cables or straps are used to secure the implant, then the implant positioning is maintained and spinal flexion is limited, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer sections are connected through connection pieces that integrate the tethering function into the spacer structure itself. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate complex tethering systems while maintaining positioning stability and limiting spinal flexion.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection pieces serve multiple functions: they connect the spacer sections, provide tethering to limit flexion, and maintain positioning stability. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
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
The implant dynamically stabilizes the spinal motion segment, altering movement patterns and preventing dislodgement, thereby improving patient outcomes by modifying the centers of rotation and maintaining spinal stability.
Implementation Method 1
the configuration of the first and second sections provides an asymmetry of flexibility between anterior and posterior sides of the implant that provides preferential deformation and influences the repositioning of the centers of rotation
Implementation Method 2
at least a second section positioned adjacent to the first section and structured to be more flexible than the first section... the more flexible second section deforms preferentially
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3G
Figure 4A~7
AI summary
An implant assembly for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a spacer which is at least partially flexible and positionable between adjacent spinous processes. The spacer member includes upper and lower surfaces structured to receive a respective adjacent one of the upper and lower spinous processes of the spinal motion segment and a body having flexibly distinctive first and second sections relative to one another configured to modify the manner of movement at the spinal motion segment.