Spinal Stabilization Receiver with Slide Rails for Controlled Vertebral Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization methods, such as vertebral fusion, either eliminate disc motion or pose risks during surgery due to limited access and potential damage to the spinal cord and surrounding organs, while existing prosthetic discs are often large, inflexible, and difficult to implant safely.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base and receiver with slide rails and projections that allow for controlled movement and stabilization of vertebrae, enabling therapeutic motion while minimizing risk to the spinal cord and surrounding structures, using a polyaxial bone screw and stabilizing member to connect to bones and allow for limited but controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If vertebral fusion is performed to stabilize the spine, then spinal stability is improved, but natural disc motion is eliminated and surgical risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a receiver device as an intermediary component that connects to the vertebrae and provides stabilization without requiring direct fusion of the vertebral bodies. This receiver acts as a mediator that achieves spinal stability while avoiding the high surgical risks associated with traditional fusion procedures, as it can be implanted through a posterior approach that does not require navigating around the spinal cord and major vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization system is divided into separate components: a base that connects to the vertebrae and a receiver that provides the stabilizing function. This segmentation allows the stabilizing element to be implanted independently through a safer posterior approach, rather than requiring the complex anterior approach needed for traditional fusion procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional prosthetic discs are used to replace damaged discs, then disc function is restored, but the devices are large, inflexible, and difficult to implant safely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic connection mechanism between the base and receiver that allows for controlled movement and adjustment. The stabilizing member can accommodate natural spinal motion while maintaining stabilization, providing both the adaptability needed for disc function restoration and the ease of implantation through a simplified posterior approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from anterior to posterior implantation approach, effectively changing the surgical dimension and access route. This allows the stabilizing member to be implanted from the back of the patient, avoiding the need to navigate through the abdominal cavity and around the spinal cord, thereby significantly improving implantation safety and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver for engaging a bone stabilizing element includes a receiver portion connectable to the stabilizing element, and a base portion connectable to a bone of a patient. The base portion may connect to the bone with a bone screw, for example a polyaxial bone screw, and the receiver portion may connect to the stabilizing element, for example a rod, using a set screw. The receiver portion and the base portion are slideably connected to each other, coupled and constrained in relative movement, by overlapping portions. Axial rotation between the receiver portion and the base portion is enabled by changing the relative dimensions of overlapped portions.