Spinal Stabilization System Elastic Cord Tension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cervical laminectomy or laminoplasty procedures often result in post-surgery kyphosis and compromise of the spinal cord due to resection or disruption of the ligamentum nuchae, which existing surgical methods fail to adequately prevent.

Innovation Solution

A spinal stabilization system comprising an elongated element with dynamically coupled hook members that apply tension to the spine, including an elastic cord or flexible cable with adjustable hooks to maintain spinal stability and prevent kyphosis, utilizing materials like polymers, silicones, and metals for biocompatibility and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If laminectomy or laminoplasty procedures are performed to relieve spinal stenosis, then pressure on the spinal cord is reduced, but post-surgery kyphosis occurs due to disruption of the ligamentum nuchae

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure on spinal cordVSAvoidspinal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization system is divided into multiple components: elongated members (rigid or flexible), hook members for attaching to lamina, and elastic elements for providing tension. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of spinal stabilization without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates elastic elements that can dynamically adjust to spinal movements and apply continuous tension. The elastic elements can be pre-stretched to provide immediate stabilization while allowing for natural spinal physiology, preventing kyphosis without rigidity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the ligamentum nuchae is resected or disrupted during cervical laminectomy or laminoplasty, then access to the spinal cord is improved, but kyphosis develops as a result

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to spinal cordVSAvoidspinal curvature

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization system is installed during the same surgical session to counteract the kyphotic tendency caused by ligamentum nuchae disruption. The elastic elements are pre-stretched and configured to apply corrective force against the developing kyphosis, preventing shape change before it becomes problematic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows adjustment of tension parameters through the elastic elements, which can be pre-stretched to different degrees to match the specific needs of each patient. This parameter adjustment enables customization of the stabilizing force to prevent kyphosis while maintaining spinal anatomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid fixation is used to prevent kyphosis, then spinal stability is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to spinal movements are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidflexibility to spinal movements

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses flexible elongated members (cables, wires, or rods) combined with elastic elements that can bend and stretch with spinal movements. This flexibility allows the stabilization system to adapt to natural spinal physiology while still providing sufficient tension to prevent kyphosis, avoiding the rigidity of traditional fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilization system combines different material properties: rigid hook members for secure attachment to lamina, flexible elongated members for adaptability, and elastic elements for dynamic tension. This composite approach integrates the advantages of both rigid and flexible materials to achieve stability without sacrificing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 system effectively prevents post-surgery kyphosis and maintains spinal stability by applying adjustable tension, thereby reducing the risk of spinal cord and nerve root damage, with the ability to apply forces ranging from zero to 200 lbs of tension.

Implementation Method 1

the elongated member is capable of applying about zero (0) to about two hundred (200) lbs of tension to the hook members when implanted in the spine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9155564B2Spine stabilization system and method

Publication Date: 2015.10.13 DEPUY SYNTHES PROD INC

AI summary

A stabilization system for the spine that includes an elongated member, preferably an elastic cord, and a plurality of attachment mechanisms, preferably lamina hooks. The stabilization system is configured to extend across a plurality of spinal motion segments to dynamically couple the motion segments in a manner that places the system in tension to apply a compression force to the posterior of the spine. The system and method may have particular application after a laminectomy or laminoplasty procedure.