Dynamic Spinal Stabilization System with Angled Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dynamic stabilization systems for the spine face challenges in efficient assembly, load transmission, and maintaining optimal contact area between spacers and anchors, leading to reduced support and stability, especially due to vertebral physiology and non-idealized anchor placement.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic stabilization system featuring vertebral anchors with a bone attachment and head portion, a flexible assembly with angled connectors and spacers, allowing pre-assembly outside the body and improved load transmission through optimized angulation of connector surfaces for enhanced contact area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dynamic stabilization systems are assembled in situ with anchors first, then spacers and cords are installed, then the surgical procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming, but this approach allows for intraoperative adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible assembly including spacers, cords, and connectors is pre-assembled outside the body before surgery. This preliminary assembly simplifies the intraoperative procedure where only the anchors need to be implanted and the pre-assembled flexible assembly attached, reducing surgical complexity and time while maintaining the ability to adjust anchor placement
2Reliability
If anchors are placed in non-idealized positions due to vertebral physiology, then the contact area between spacers and anchors is reduced, but repositioning anchors would require additional surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates adjustable parameters including angled surfaces that can be configured at different orientations, and movable components that allow the spacer position to be adjusted relative to the anchor. This enables optimization of the contact interface between spacer and anchor even when anchors are placed in positions constrained by vertebral physiology
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid stabilization is used to stabilize the spine, then spinal fusion is achieved, but the range of motion is significantly limited and adjacent segments experience accelerated degeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system uses flexible components including elastic cords and adjustable spacers that allow dynamic movement. The system provides stabilization through the anchors while the flexible intermediate components permit physiological range of motion, eliminating the need for rigid fusion and preventing accelerated degeneration of adjacent segments
4Ease of manufacture
If the flexible assembly is pre-assembled outside the body, then minimally invasive surgery is facilitated, but the ability to adjust to intraoperative findings is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two segments: the flexible assembly (spacers, cords, connectors) is pre-assembled outside the body to facilitate minimally invasive surgery, while the anchors are implanted separately allowing intraoperative adjustment of anchor placement. The interface between these segments (connector-to-anchor attachment) maintains adaptability to accommodate intraoperative findings
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal stabilization system includes at least two anchors having a bone attachment portion and a head portion and a flexible assembly coupled to the anchors. The flexible assembly includes a flexible cord, at least two connectors slidably mounted to the flexible cord, and at least one spacer slidably mounted to the cord between adjacent connectors. Each connector couples with a head portion of an anchor. The flexible assembly may be assembled and appropriately adjusted outside the body prior to it being coupled to the anchors. In addition, the connectors may include angled outer surfaces that provide enhanced engagement with the ends of the spacer. A method of stabilizing the spine includes securing anchors to the spine, assembling a flexible assembly outside the body, and coupling the flexible assembly to the anchors. The method may further include providing connectors with angled surfaces to provide enhanced engagement with the spacer.