Self-Distracting Spinal Rods with Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for treating spinal disorders, such as scoliosis and kyphosis, often require frequent surgeries to adjust spinal constructs, which can be invasive and costly, and do not effectively allow for natural growth and spinal curvature correction without fusion.
Innovation Solution
A spinal construct system featuring self-distracting rods with a lock mechanism and biasing members, such as springs and bearings, that apply constant pressure to maintain spinal alignment and allow for natural growth without the need for repeated surgeries, using materials like titanium and PEEK for durability and biocompatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spinal constructs are used for correction and stabilization, then spinal alignment can be maintained, but frequent invasive surgeries are required to adjust the construct as the spine grows
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal rod incorporates a telescoping mechanism with expansion elements that allow the rod length to dynamically increase as the spine grows. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for repeated surgical interventions to replace or adjust fixed-length rods, while continuously maintaining spinal alignment and correction forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion mechanism is designed to be activated by the natural growth of the spine itself, which generates the force to push the expansion elements outward and lengthen the rod. This self-activating mechanism removes the need for external surgical intervention to trigger adjustments, allowing the construct to automatically adapt to spinal growth.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-length spinal rods are used, then surgical procedure is simpler, but the construct cannot accommodate natural spinal growth without repeated surgeries
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal rod is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can independently expand and contract. Each segment contains expansion elements that can be activated to increase the overall rod length. This segmented design provides the necessary adaptability for spinal growth while keeping each individual segment relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism employs nested cylindrical segments where inner rods are housed within outer tubes. The expansion elements are nested within the rod structure itself, allowing compact storage when not in use and smooth deployment when expansion is needed. This nesting approach manages complexity by organizing moving parts within a confined space.
3Reliability
If spinal fusion is performed to stabilize the spine, then spinal alignment can be maintained long-term, but natural spinal growth and mobility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping rod provides continuous corrective force and spinal stabilization throughout the growth period without interruption. The continuous presence of the rod within the telescoping mechanism ensures uninterrupted support and alignment maintenance, replacing the need for fusion while achieving similar long-term stability outcomes.
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 prevents progression of spinal curvature, allows for natural growth, and reduces the frequency of surgical interventions by maintaining constant force on the spine, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Implementation Method 1
A spinal construct system featuring self-distracting rods with a lock mechanism and biasing members, such as springs and bearings, that apply constant pressure to maintain spinal alignment
Implementation Method 2
A spinal construct system featuring self-distracting rods with a lock mechanism and biasing members, such as springs and bearings
Data Source
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AI summary
A spinal construct includes at least one body including a first biasing member engageable with a longitudinal element for translation thereof relative to the body in a first direction. A second biasing member is engageable with a lock. The lock is connected with the longitudinal element to resist and/or prevent translation of the longitudinal element relative to the body in a second direction. Implants, surgical instruments, systems and methods are disclosed.