Spinal Stabilization System Top-Loading Spacer Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spinal stabilization systems require large surgical sites and additional instrumentation for dynamic stabilization, complicating the installation of flexible spacers and cords between pedicle screws, and often necessitate distracting the screws for spacer placement.
Innovation Solution
A spinal stabilization system using vertebral anchors with upwardly open channels, a flexible connecting element, and percutaneous access tools that allow for minimally invasive installation of an annular spacer and flexible cord between pedicle screws, eliminating the need for threading through eyelets and reducing the complexity of distraction procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional dynamic stabilization systems are installed by threading cord through eyelets after spacer placement, then spinal mobility is maintained, but large surgical sites and complex instrumentation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional installation sequence by threading the flexible cord through the pedicle screws first, before placing the spacer. This reversal eliminates the need for large surgical sites and complex retraction systems, as the cord can be passed through the screws and spacer from a minimally invasive approach. The cord is then used to pull the spacer into position between the screws, simplifying the overall installation procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-threading the flexible cord through the pedicle screws and preparing the cord-end connector before spacer placement. This preliminary preparation allows the spacer to be easily positioned and secured by simply attaching it to the pre-positioned cord, eliminating the need for complex instrumentation during the actual spacer placement procedure.
2Ease of manufacture
If pedicle screws are distracted for spacer placement, then spacer installation is enabled, but additional instrumentation and procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of distracting the screws to create space for spacer placement, the patent inverts the approach by using the flexible cord to pull the spacer into position between the screws. The cord acts as a delivery mechanism that eliminates the need for screw distraction, maintaining the simplicity of the procedure while enabling easy spacer installation.
3Ease of operation
If large surgical sites are used for cord threading, then spacer and cord installation is facilitated, but patient trauma and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables minimally invasive installation by inverting the traditional approach: instead of requiring large surgical sites to thread the cord after spacer placement, the cord is threaded through the pedicle screws first through small incisions, and then used to pull the spacer into position. This inversion maintains full accessibility for cord threading while dramatically reducing patient trauma and recovery time.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a spinal stabilization apparatus includes a vertebral anchor having a head portion and a bone attachment portion. An elongate, flexible guide is removably coupled to the head portion of the vertebral anchor and has a channel extending longitudinally thereof and communicating with a slot in the head portion of the anchor. An elongate cord may be received within the channel to facilitate inserting and securing a spacer between pairs of anchors installed into adjacent vertebrae of a person's spine.