Adjustable Stopper Element for Spinal Prosthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal prostheses with fixed abutments are ineffective due to anatomical variations among patients, leading to potential interference and the need for laminectomy, as they do not accommodate individual anatomy correctly.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an adjustable stopper element that can be positioned to suit any anatomy, eliminating the need for laminectomy by allowing adjustable placement on spinal attachment members, thereby preventing interference with the spinous process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed abutments are used in the spinal prosthesis, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the prosthesis cannot accommodate anatomical variations among patients, leading to ineffectiveness or interference with the spinous process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the stopper element adjustable rather than fixed. The stopper element can be positioned at different locations along the spinal attachment member to accommodate varying anatomical structures among patients. This adjustability allows the prosthesis to adapt to individual anatomical variations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the position parameter of the stopper element to be varied. The stopper element can be moved along the spinal attachment member to different positions depending on the patient's anatomy. This change in position parameter enables the prosthesis to accommodate anatomical variations without fundamentally changing the device structure.
2Ease of operation
If fixed abutments are used in the spinal prosthesis, then the device complexity is reduced, but the spinous process may interfere with the abutment members, requiring additional laminectomy surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable stopper element allows the surgeon to dynamically position the component during surgery to avoid interference with the spinous process. By making the stopper position variable rather than fixed, the surgeon can adapt the prosthesis placement to the patient's specific anatomy, eliminating the need for additional laminectomy surgery while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable stopper element is introduced to accommodate anatomical variations, then the adaptability of the prosthesis is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a single adjustable parameter (stopper element position) to provide adaptability for anatomical variations. This minimal adjustment mechanism adds only necessary complexity to achieve the desired adaptability, rather than over-engineering the system. The stopper element can be positioned at different locations along the spinal attachment member to suit individual patient anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by allowing the stopper element position to be varied along the spinal attachment member. This single parameter adjustment provides the needed adaptability for anatomical variations without requiring multiple complex components or mechanisms, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving the adaptability goal.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A spinal prosthesis includes first and second spinal attachment members attachable to first and second spinal structures, respectively. One or more adjustable stopper elements are assembled on one or both of the first and second spinal attachment members. The one or more adjustable stopper elements are formed with a bore through which either of the first and second spinal attachment members is slidable. The one or more adjustable stopper elements include structure that limits relative movement between the one or more adjustable stopper elements and the spinal attachment member on which the one or more adjustable stopper elements are mounted.