Expandable Spinal Joint Distraction Implant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for spinal stenosis, such as closed traction and invasive surgeries, are either minimally effective or highly invasive, leading to prolonged recovery times and a high incidence of re-operation.
Innovation Solution
A spinal joint distraction system comprising a driver assembly with a tubular shaft, implant holder arms, an implant distractor, and a delivery device with forks to penetrate a facet joint, allowing for minimally invasive distraction of the facet joint and maintenance with an implant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If closed traction devices are used to increase foraminal height, then radicular symptoms are alleviated, but the treatment is minimally effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the distraction function from external traction devices and integrates it directly into the facet joint implant. The expandable cage is inserted in a compressed state and then expanded within the joint space, taking out the need for external traction apparatus and applying the distraction force directly where it is needed, thereby improving both effectiveness and efficiency of symptom relief.
2Reliability
If anterior or posterior surgery with spinal fusion is performed, then cervical disc herniations are treated, but the procedures are highly invasive with long recovery times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for extensive surgical exposure and fusion procedures by delivering the implant through a minimally invasive percutaneous approach. The delivery system allows the expandable cage to be inserted through a small puncture site rather than requiring open surgery, thereby dramatically reducing invasiveness and recovery time while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is designed with a nested structure where the expandable cage is contained within a delivery catheter in a compressed state. Once positioned within the facet joint, the cage is expanded from its compressed configuration to its final expanded state, allowing minimally invasive delivery while achieving the full therapeutic effect.
3Reliability
If spinal fusion surgery is performed, then nerve root compression is relieved, but the biomechanics of the neck are modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the decompression function from fusion surgery by using an expandable cage that directly separates the facet joint surfaces to relieve nerve root compression. This approach achieves the therapeutic goal of decompression without the need for fusion, thereby preserving the natural biomechanics and motion of the spinal segment.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal joint distraction system is disclosed and may include a driver assembly with a tubular shaft, a pair of implant holder arms, an implant distractor, an internal actuator, and a distractor knob, the system also including a delivery device with a tubular shaft, a receiving assembly, and a pair of forks, where the delivery device is adapted for slidable insertion of the driver assembly, the system also including an implant, a chisel, and an injector. Several embodiments of an implant are disclosed as well a method of placing an implant.