Spinal Stabilization System with Dynamic Joint Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization methods, such as rigid fixation and bone fusion, lead to loosening and stress on anchoring sites, limiting spinal mobility and causing complications, while artificial disc prostheses may destabilize the spinal column by reducing stiffness in flexion, extension, and rotation.
Innovation Solution
A spinal stabilization system combining a disc prosthesis or disc nucleus replacement with trans-vertebral stabilizing elements that distribute stress and mobility functions, allowing for preservation or simulation of natural intervertebral and facet joint motions through segmented stabilizing elements with joints that provide degrees of motion, such as rotation, compression, and bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixation assemblies (plates and rods) are used to secure vertebrae, then vertebral stability is improved, but significant loads are placed on anchoring sites resulting in loosening and breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing element incorporates a joint mechanism that allows dynamic motion between segments, enabling the assembly to adapt to physiological spinal movements while maintaining stability. This dynamic capability reduces stress concentration at anchoring sites by distributing loads through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from rigid fixation to semi-rigid fixation by changing the mechanical properties of the stabilizing assembly. The joint mechanism provides controlled flexibility, altering the stiffness parameter to allow physiological motion while maintaining sufficient stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If bone grafts and fusion are used to fuse adjacent vertebrae, then vertebral alignment is improved, but the remaining spinal elements are subjected to high stress and degeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing element with its joint mechanism allows physiological motion to continue in the remaining spinal elements, preventing the high stress and degeneration that occurs with rigid fusion. The dynamic adaptation distributes mechanical loads more evenly across the spinal column.
3Stability of the object's composition
If spinal fusion is performed, then vertebral fixation is improved, but the range of motion is limited in flexion, extension, rotation and lateral bending
Solution Approach 1:
The joint mechanism within the stabilizing element provides controlled motion in multiple directions including flexion, extension, rotation and lateral bending. This dynamic structure maintains vertebral fixation while preserving physiological range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fixation approach from rigid to semi-rigid, modifying the stiffness parameter to allow physiological motion. The joint mechanism provides controlled flexibility that maintains sufficient stability while enabling natural spinal movements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If facet joints are removed in facetectomy, then spinal deformities are corrected, but the spinal column is destabilized by decreasing stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing element with joint mechanism provides dynamic stability to the spinal column after facetectomy. The joint allows controlled motion while the overall assembly maintains sufficient stiffness to prevent destabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing assembly combines rigid segments with a flexible joint mechanism, creating a composite structure that provides both stability and controlled motion. This composite design compensates for the loss of facet joint function while maintaining spinal column integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
Spinal stabilizing elements and spinal stabilization systems composed of spinal stabilizing elements in combination with disc prostheses or disc nucleus replacements are provided. The stabilizing elements and stabilization systems are designed to preserve the natural mobility of vertebral discs and facet joints in patients with facet joint disease or patients who has undergone a prior destabilizing procedure, such as a facetectomy. The stabilizing elements may be pivoting elements or dynamic elements.