Spinal Locking Coupler Assembly for Dynamic Vertebral Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for curved spines, such as surgery, often result in limited motion and stooped appearance, necessitating improved apparatus to counteract curvature and alleviate pain and suffering.
Innovation Solution
A locking coupler assembly comprising a coupler with a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, featuring first threads and a mating surface, along with a nut and driver, which apply compressive and linear forces to align vertebrae, and a distractor tool to adjust the coupler assemblies for alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If surgery is performed to correct spinal curvature, then alignment of vertebrae is improved, but patient motion is limited and appearance becomes stooped
Solution Approach 1:
The locking coupler assembly provides a dynamic solution that allows for adjustment and correction of spinal curvature while maintaining the ability to preserve motion. The mechanism can be adjusted to achieve proper alignment while avoiding the permanent fusion that limits motion, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving alignment and preserving patient mobility
2Manufacturing precision
If invasive surgical procedures are performed, then spinal alignment is corrected, but patient suffering and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking coupler assembly replaces invasive surgical procedures with a mechanical adjustment system that can be applied percutaneously. This substitution reduces the invasiveness of the procedure, thereby decreasing recovery time and patient suffering while still achieving the goal of correcting spinal alignment
3Stability of the object's composition
If vertebrae are fused together, then spinal stability is improved, but patient motion and quality of life deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking coupler assembly provides a dynamic alternative to static fusion, allowing the spine to maintain stability through the mechanical locking mechanism while preserving the ability to move. This resolves the contradiction by achieving stability without the permanent motion restriction that comes with fusion
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 solution effectively aligns vertebrae, reducing pain and improving motion by applying clamping forces and allowing for precise adjustment of the coupler assemblies to correct spinal curvature without invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a nut having second threads corresponding to the first threads, wherein the nut is attachable to the coupler proximal end
Implementation Method 2
the coupler applies a compressive clamping force to the rod
Implementation Method 3
the driver applies a clamping force to the coupler
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to an apparatus for aligning vertebrae of a curved spine that may include a coupler having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, wherein the proximal end comprises first threads, wherein the distal end comprises a mating surface for disposition around a rod attached to a spinal column, and wherein the coupler applies a compressive clamping force to the rod. The apparatus further may include a nut having second threads corresponding to the first threads, wherein the nut is attachable to the coupler proximal end. The apparatus further may include a driver disposable at least partially around the coupler, wherein the driver applies a clamping force to the coupler, and wherein the nut applies a linear force to the driver when tightened.