Spinal Guidance Device With Spherical Articulation Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal dynamic guidance devices face challenges in replicating anatomical movement reliably and stably, often leading to inadequate mobility or instability due to imperfect elasticity control in elastic elements, which can worsen the treated conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device with spherical articulation surfaces on the posterior side of vertebrae units that slide against each other, utilizing dynamic limitation means to control movement amplitude, mimicking a pseudo-ball joint and distributing stress to maintain intervertebral disk mobility and prevent compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic elements are used to connect vertebral units, then spinal mobility is maintained, but the reliability of movement guidance deteriorates due to imperfect elasticity control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the elastic element connection system with a spherical articulation surface system. Instead of using elastic elements that connect vertebral units (which have imperfect elasticity control), the invention uses spherical articulation surfaces that slide against each other, centered on a common geometric point in the intervertebral space. This mechanical substitution eliminates the reliability issues of elastic behavior while maintaining spinal mobility through the controlled sliding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs spherical articulation surfaces with concentric geometry centered at a common geometric point. The first vertebral unit has a spherical articulation surface, and the second vertebral unit has a complementary spherical articulation surface. These curved surfaces slide against each other in a controlled manner, providing reliable and predictable movement guidance while maintaining the natural range of spinal motion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixators are implanted to fuse vertebrae, then stability is improved, but adjacent disk degeneration worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic guidance system that allows controlled movement between vertebrae while providing stability. The spherical articulation surfaces enable the spine to maintain mobility in all directions (flexion-extension, twisting, lateral bending) while the limitation means prevent excessive movement. This dynamic approach avoids the complete immobilization caused by rigid fusion, thereby preventing adjacent disk degeneration while maintaining spinal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of spinal fixation from rigid/immobile to dynamically controlled. By using spherical articulation surfaces with defined geometric constraints and limitation means, the system allows physiological movement within safe boundaries. This parameter change from zero mobility to controlled mobility preserves the health of adjacent intervertebral disks while providing the necessary stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastic elements are used with tailored elasticity, then individual patient needs are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the spherical articulation surfaces at specific locations on the vertebral units and centering them on a geometric point in the intervertebral space. The limitation means are locally positioned to control movement in specific directions. This localized geometric configuration provides patient-specific adaptation without requiring complex elasticity calculations or customized elastic elements for each patient.
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 solution provides precise, reliable, and stable spinal movement guidance, maintaining normal anatomical mobility and reducing the risk of instability, while being easier to implant and tailored to individual patient needs.
Implementation Method 1
the two vertebral units respectively define substantially spherical complementary articulation surfaces which, when the two vertebral units are fixed to the vertebrae, extend overall on the posterior side of the vertebrae and slide against one another, being centered at one and the same geometric point located in the intervertebral space
Implementation Method 2
the device comprises dynamic limitation mechanical means designed to limit the amplitude of the relative sliding of the articulation surfaces
Implementation Method 3
collaboration between these articulation surfaces relieves the load on the disk that lies between the two vertebrae: the dimensions, particularly the vertical dimension, of the intervertebral space are actually maintained, in that this space is not reduced because the device according to the invention bears most, if not all, of the stresses associated with spinal movements
Data Source
AI summary
A guidance device including two vertebral units adapted to be fixed to the posterior side of two adjacent vertebrae of the spine and wherein the two units have substantially spherical complementary articulation surfaces which, when the units are fixed to the vertebrae, extend overall on the posterior side of the vertebrae and slide against one another about a center point located in the intervertebral space that separates the vertebrae, and wherein the device also includes a mechanical element to limit an amplitude of the relative sliding of the articulation surfaces.