Spinal Correction Implant with Ratcheting Growing Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical treatments for spinal disorders such as scoliosis and kyphosis often require invasive procedures and implants that may not adequately address deformity, pain, and mobility issues, particularly in children, where growth and development are considerations.
Innovation Solution
A spinal correction system featuring a growing rod with a ratcheting mechanism that can be incrementally lengthened, allowing for minimally invasive attachment to rib or spine tissue, enabling expansion and support of the chest wall while preserving motion, and accommodating growth through active or passive lengthening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical treatments are used for spinal disorders, then correction and stabilization can be achieved, but invasive procedures and large incisions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal correction system is divided into multiple segments including a curved rod, ratchet mechanism, and longitudinal elements that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows for minimally invasive placement while achieving effective spinal correction through incremental adjustments of individual segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a ratchet mechanism that enables dynamic adjustment of the rod's position and length. The longitudinal element can be incrementally moved relative to the body through the ratchet, allowing the implant to adapt to spinal growth and deformity changes without requiring invasive reoperation.
2Strength
If fixed implants are used for spinal stabilization, then structural support is provided, but growth accommodation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The implant features a dynamic ratchet mechanism that allows the longitudinal element to be incrementally extended relative to the body. This enables the implant to accommodate spinal growth in children and adolescents while maintaining structural stabilization support throughout the growth period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for changes in the physical parameters of the implant, specifically the length and curvature of the longitudinal element relative to the body. These parameter changes enable the implant to adapt to growing spinal structures while maintaining adequate support strength.
3Productivity
If invasive surgical procedures are performed, then immediate correction is achieved, but tissue integrity and motion preservation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is segmented into a body and a movable longitudinal element that can be independently positioned. This segmentation enables minimally invasive insertion and adjustment, reducing tissue damage while still achieving effective spinal correction through the ratchet mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism enables the implant to self-adjust and self-correct spinal deformity through incremental movements of the longitudinal element. This self-service capability reduces the need for aggressive surgical intervention and preserves tissue integrity while maintaining correction effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal correction implant comprises a body extending between a first end and a second end. The body has a curvature. A first longitudinal element is connected with the first end. A ratchet is disposed with the body. A second longitudinal element is connected to the ratchet and is incrementally movable relative to the body. Systems and methods are disclosed.