Spinal Stabilization System with Sliding Anchors for Growth Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization systems require frequent adjustments and multiple surgeries, especially in pediatric patients, due to continued growth of the spinal column, leading to complications such as loss of vertebral height and girth, and poor self-image from external bracing, with existing methods being ineffective in minimizing surgical procedures and accommodating spinal growth.
Innovation Solution
A spinal stabilization system using elongate members anchored to vertebrae with a combination of fixed and variable anchor members, allowing for unconstrained axial movement to accommodate growth, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and surgeries by enabling sliding movement along the elongate members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixed spinal stabilization systems are used, then lateral stabilization and support are provided, but frequent adjustments and multiple surgeries are required to accommodate spinal growth in pediatric patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by designing a hybrid spinal stabilization system that combines fixed anchor members with movable anchor members. The movable anchor members are configured to slide along the elongate support members, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to spinal growth while maintaining stabilization. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for frequent surgical adjustments, as the system automatically accommodates growth through the sliding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the stabilization system into different functional components: fixed anchor members for stable attachment and movable anchor members for growth accommodation. By dividing the system into these distinct segments with different functions, the invention achieves both reliable stabilization and growth adaptability without requiring multiple surgeries.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fixed anchor members are used, then stable attachment is achieved, but axial movement is constrained preventing accommodation of spinal growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed anchor member into a dynamic system by introducing movable anchor members that can slide along the elongate support members. This dynamic design allows the anchor members to maintain stable attachment while accommodating axial movement and spinal growth, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different characteristics to different anchor members: some are fixed for stable attachment while others are movable for growth accommodation. This localized differentiation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both stable attachment and growth adaptability at different locations along the spinal column.
3Reliability
If external bracing is used for scoliosis, then curve stabilization is achieved, but poor self-image occurs in adolescent patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stabilization function from external bracing and implements it through internal fixation devices. By moving the stabilization mechanism from the external environment to the internal spinal structure, the invention maintains curve stabilization effectiveness while eliminating the visible external brace that causes poor self-image in adolescent patients.
4Reliability
If anterior or posterior spinal fusion is performed, then vertebral fusion is achieved, but loss of vertebral body height and girth occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stabilization function from spinal fusion and provides it through a non-fusion alternative using elongate support members and anchor members. This approach maintains spinal stabilization and curve correction while preserving vertebral body height and girth, avoiding the deformities associated with traditional fusion procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for stabilization of the spinal column, including an elongate support member (22) extending along an axis (L) and a plurality of anchor members (24) configured for anchoring to respective vertebrae. A first of the anchor members (24a) is engaged to the support member (22) in a manner that substantially prevents axial movement of the support member (22) relative to the first anchor member (24a), and a second of the anchor members (24b) is engaged to the support member (22) in a manner that allows substantially unconstrained axial movement of the support member (22) relative to the second anchor member (24b). In a further embodiment, a third of the anchor members (24c) is engaged to the support member (22) in a manner that also allows substantially unconstrained axial movement of the support member (22) relative to the third anchor member (24c), with the second and third anchor members (24b, 24c) positioned on opposite sides of the first anchor member (24a).