Spinal Outriggers with Telescoping Rods for Growth Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical systems for correcting spinal disorders, such as degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, face challenges in providing stable and adjustable fixation that accommodates spinal growth and prevents implant pullout, while existing solutions often require complex procedures and may not fully address the dynamic nature of spinal alignment.
Innovation Solution
A spinal construct system comprising a spinal implant connected to vertebrae and an outrigger construct attached to the rib cage, featuring a plate and hook claw configuration that prevents screw backout and allows for longitudinal growth, with components made from biocompatible materials for secure and adjustable fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional spinal fixation systems are used, then spinal alignment can be corrected, but the system lacks adaptability for spinal growth and longitudinal adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal fixation system incorporates dynamic elements including telescoping rods with adjustable lengths, movable set screws for longitudinal positioning, and expandable hooks that can grow with the spine. The outrigger construct includes adjustable plate-screw assemblies that allow for future lengthening and repositioning as the patient grows, transforming a static fixation system into a dynamic, adaptive structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular components: separate outrigger construct elements (plates, screws, hooks), distinct spinal fixation components (rods, set screws, anchors), and interchangeable segments that can be independently adjusted or replaced. This segmentation allows for incremental adjustments during growth periods without requiring complete system replacement.
2Reliability
If spinal implants are secured firmly to prevent pullout, then fixation stability is improved, but the ability to adjust for growth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms including set screws positioned to engage the telescoping rods, pre-placed bone anchors, and outrigger plates with multiple screw holes for future positioning changes. These preliminary actions enable straightforward longitudinal adjustments and repositioning as the spine grows, maintaining secure fixation while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design features nested components where smaller elements are contained within larger structures: set screws within rod lumens, hooks within vertebral bodies, and modular segments within the overall construct. This nesting allows for compact storage of adjustment mechanisms while maintaining structural integrity and fixation stability.
3Reliability
If complex surgical procedures are used to achieve stable fixation, then implant security is improved, but surgical time and patient trauma increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple functions into integrated components: the outrigger plates simultaneously provide rib cage attachment, spinal rod support, and growth adjustment capabilities in a single element. The spinal fixation rods combine structural support, length adjustment, and angular positioning functions. This merging reduces the number of separate surgical steps and implantation procedures required.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates self-retaining features such as self-tapping screws, self-locking set screws, and self-expanding hooks that secure themselves without requiring complex additional fixation steps. The telescoping rod mechanism allows for easy longitudinal adjustment by simple screw manipulation, enabling the surgical team to perform adjustments without extensive specialized procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal construct comprises at least one spinal implant connected with vertebrae and a member extending between a first end including, at least one part configured for connection to tissue of a rib cage and a second end configured for connection with the at least one spinal implant. Systems and methods are disclosed.