Spinal Prosthesis Tether with Compliance Element for Adjustable Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating discogenic low back pain, such as spinal fusion and bone cerclage devices, are invasive, irreversible, and often ineffective, while existing spinal implants with tether structures are complex and prone to damage, lacking a simple and effective way to adjust and couple prostheses to spinal segments during orthopedic internal fixation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for coupling a prosthesis to a spinal segment by selecting reference points, measuring and adjusting the distance between them to match a target distance, using a tether structure with compliance elements and constraining tools to provide resistance to flexion while allowing unrestricted extension, and adjusting the prosthesis to ensure proper alignment and tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spinal fusion and bone cerclage devices are used to treat discogenic low back pain, then pain relief is achieved, but the procedures are invasive and irreversible
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis incorporates a compliance element that allows dynamic adjustment of the tether structure's tension and flexibility. This enables the device to adapt to different spinal segment requirements, providing pain relief while maintaining reversibility and reducing invasiveness compared to fixed spinal fusion procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis is divided into separate components including a tether structure, compliance element, and coupling mechanisms that can be independently adjusted and positioned. This segmentation allows for minimally invasive installation and potential removal without requiring complete spinal fusion, thereby reducing the harmful effects of invasiveness and irreversibility
2Reliability
If existing spinal implants with tether structures are used, then flexion resistance is provided, but the devices are complex and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The compliance element allows for adjustable parameters in the tether structure, including tension, flexibility, and coupling force. This parameter adjustability simplifies the overall device design while maintaining reliable flexion resistance, as the same basic structure can be optimized for different patient needs without increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The compliance element acts as an intermediary between the tether structure and the spinal segment, absorbing stresses and distributing forces more evenly. This mediator component reduces the complexity of the overall implant by simplifying the interaction between the tether and bone, thereby reducing damage susceptibility while maintaining flexion resistance
3Manufacturing precision
If the prosthesis is adjusted intra-operatively to match target distance, then precise coupling is achieved, but the adjustment process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis includes pre-marked reference points and pre-configured coupling mechanisms that allow for rapid intra-operative adjustment. The compliance element is designed with built-in measurement indicators and adjustment features that enable precise coupling to be achieved quickly, reducing the time required for adjustment while maintaining high coupling precision
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
This approach allows for minimally invasive, adjustable, and effective coupling of prostheses to spinal segments, reducing pain and instability by providing controlled resistance to flexion while maintaining spinal extension, thus addressing the limitations of existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
A compliance element is coupled with the tether structure. The compliance element has a locking mechanism that is engaged with a constraining tool so as to limit extension or contraction of the compliance element during adjustment of the tether structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for coupling a prosthesis to a spinal segment in a patient includes the steps of selecting first and second reference points disposed along the spinal segment and pre-operatively measuring a target distance. The target distance extends between the first and second reference points while the patient is in a preferred posture such as the standing position. A prosthesis is coupled to the spinal segment and the prosthesis is then intra-operatively adjusted in order to set the distance between the first and second reference points based on the target distance.