Spinal Implant with Sliding Anchor for Motion Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal deformity treatments, such as those for scoliosis, often result in spinal immobilization, which restricts movement and can lead to physical and psychological complications, while also failing to preserve spinal discs and allow for growth.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic implant system featuring an elongated flexible member secured to the spinal column via vertebral body screws, allowing for significant motion in most planes while restricting lateral bending, with the ability to correct scoliotic curves and accommodate growth, and potentially removable after skeletal maturity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid transverse bars and anchors are used to connect rods to vertebrae, then spinal stability and correction of scoliosis curve is improved, but spinal motion is restricted and discs are not preserved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements including sliding anchors that can move along the rod, articulating joints between rod segments, and flexible rod configurations that allow controlled motion. These dynamic features enable the spinal implant to maintain stability while preserving physiological spinal movement and disc function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for adjustable parameters such as rod flexibility, anchor engagement levels, and joint articulation ranges. By changing these parameters, the implant can be customized to provide appropriate stability while maintaining necessary spinal motion and disc preservation.
2Strength
If rigid locking of anchors to rods is implemented, then prevention of apparatus breaking under load is improved, but physical restrictions for life are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes dynamic coupling mechanisms where anchors can slide along the rod or engage/disengage from rod features. This dynamic connection maintains strength under load while allowing controlled motion and potential future removal of the implant, avoiding lifetime mobility restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs intermediary elements such as polyaxial anchors, articulating joints, and flexible rod connections that mediate between the rigid structural requirements for strength and the need for physiological motion. These intermediaries distribute loads while preserving natural spinal movement.
3Strength
If bone grafts and fusion of vertebrae are used, then prevention of apparatus breaking is improved, but immobilization of the spine results in physical restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spinal column into segmented vertebral units that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each vertebra to maintain its mobility while the overall spinal column gains the strength needed to support the implant and resist breaking under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic connections between vertebral segments through articulating joints and flexible rod configurations. These dynamic elements provide the necessary strength to prevent apparatus breaking while preserving natural spinal mobility and avoiding complete immobilization.
4Shape
If traditional internal fixation devices are used, then correction of spinal curvature is achieved, but preservation of spinal discs and growth is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible rod configurations that can bend and adapt to the natural contours of the spine while maintaining corrective force. These flexible elements allow for disc preservation and continued spinal growth by accommodating physiological movements and developmental changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic anchors and articulating joints that can adapt to growth and motion. This dynamic design allows the implant to correct spinal curvature while preserving disc function and accommodating continued spinal growth during development.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic implant system is disclosed for use in correcting or reducing the progression of scoliosis. The orthopedic implant system can be inserted laterally or posteriorly and comprises an elongated flexible member secured to a user's spinal column via a plurality of vertebral body screws. Typically, the height of the elongated flexible member is significantly greater than the width, creating a flattened cross-sectional aspect. The vertebral body screws comprise a screw base and a screw head with a slot sized to accept an insert. Typically, the elongated flexible member is positioned within the slot via the insert, and is allowed to slide within the screw head as needed, as the user moves. However, at the apex of the user's scoliosis curve, the elongated flexible member is fixed within a vertebral body screw head.