Spinal Stabilization System with Locking Rod Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Facet joint degeneration and intervertebral disc degeneration often occur together, leading to spinal issues like spinal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and scoliosis, which existing spinal stabilization systems fail to adequately address due to limitations in rotational and translational movement constraints.
Innovation Solution
A spinal stabilization system comprising anchorage components and surgical rods with engagement members that constrain rotational movement, allowing for customizable installation and adjustment within the anchorage components to stabilize the spine, using biocompatible materials like metals and polymers, and shape-memory materials for enhanced fit and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing spinal stabilization systems are used, then spinal support is provided, but rotational and translational movement constraints are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical rod incorporates an engagement member with a locking mechanism that transitions from a movable state during installation to a fixed state after positioning. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to adapt from allowing adjustment to providing rigid constraint, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the constraint parameters from loose to tight through the locking mechanism. Before locking, the rod allows rotational and translational adjustment; after locking, these movements are substantially constrained. This parameter change enables the system to meet both adaptability during installation and reliability during operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rotational movement is substantially constrained, then spinal alignment is improved, but installation and adjustment flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be engaged after the rod is positioned in the desired orientation. This preliminary positioning followed by locking allows surgeons to achieve proper spinal alignment first, then secure it, resolving the contradiction between installation flexibility and alignment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a dynamic (adjustable) state during installation to a static (fixed) state after positioning. This dynamic characteristic provides ease of operation during installation while ensuring stability of spinal alignment during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customizable installation and adjustment are allowed, then fit for degenerated discs is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical rod is segmented into distinct functional portions: an elongate body for spanning vertebrae, an engagement member for attachment, and a locking mechanism for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, providing customizable fit without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement member with locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it allows the rod to be attached to anchorage components, enables adjustment to proper positioning, and provides secure locking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, balancing adaptability with device complexity.
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 system effectively stabilizes the spine by constraining rotational and translational movements, providing customized support for degenerated or damaged intervertebral discs, thereby addressing the combined issues of facet joint and disc degeneration, and improving spinal stability and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
shape-memory materials for enhanced fit and stability
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal stabilization system is disclosed. The spinal stabilization system can include at least one anchorage component and a surgical rod. The anchorage component has a superior end, an inferior end, and an axial passage therebetween. The surgical rod is configured to be installed at least partially within the axial passage of the anchorage component. The surgical rod includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end. The first end or the second end is adapted to engage the superior end or the inferior end of the anchorage component. Further, the surgical rod is configured to substantially constrain rotational movement within the anchorage component.