Spinal Stabilizer With Over-Extension Limiter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating damaged spinal discs and associated spinal stenosis often result in invasive procedures and insufficient pain relief, necessitating less invasive and more effective alternatives for stabilizing spinal joints and relieving pressure on nerves.
Innovation Solution
A spinal stabilization system comprising a flexible connector with an over-extension limiter, anchored to vertebral fasteners, which provides compressive support, load distribution, and allows natural motion while preventing over-compression or over-extension, utilizing a serpentine spring rod with inelastic members to limit excessive extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional vertebral fusion or rigid stabilization methods are used, then spinal stability is improved, but natural motion is restricted and pain relief is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic stabilization system with a flexible connector that allows controlled motion between vertebrae. The connector includes an extendable member with over-extension limiters that permit physiological movement while preventing excessive motion, thereby maintaining spinal stability without completely restricting natural motion as rigid fusion would do.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mechanical parameters of spinal stabilization by using a flexible connector with variable stiffness characteristics. The over-extension limiters create a non-linear force-displacement relationship that allows easy motion within physiological ranges but provides increasing resistance as extension approaches dangerous levels, optimizing both stability and motion preservation.
2Reliability
If rigid stabilization structures are implanted, then over-extension is prevented, but compressive support and load distribution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connector combines materials and structural elements with different mechanical properties - including elastic components for compressive support and inelastic over-extension limiters for preventing excessive extension. This composite approach allows the single device to simultaneously provide both compressive strength and over-extension protection that would be difficult to achieve with a single material type.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into functional zones: an extendable member for providing compressive support and load distribution, and separate over-extension limiter components for preventing excessive extension. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
3Ease of operation
If motion preservation disc prostheses are used, then natural motion is maintained, but stabilization effectiveness is insufficient for severe cases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connector acts as an intermediary stabilization device that bridges the gap between motion preservation and rigid stabilization. It provides enhanced stability for severe cases through its tensioning system and over-extension limiters while still allowing natural motion, offering a middle ground that adapts to the severity of the spinal condition.
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 stabilizes spinal joints, reduces pressure on intervertebral discs and facet joints, alleviates spinal stenosis, and minimizes further degeneration by controlling compression and extension, offering a less invasive and more balanced stabilization compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible connector with an over-extension limiter, anchored to vertebral fasteners, which provides compressive support, load distribution, and allows natural motion
Implementation Method 2
The extension-limiter member provides an increasing resistance to limited displacement of the first anchor and the second anchor from one another as the extension-limiter member is extended from a relatively relaxed state to a relatively taut state
Data Source
AI summary
A bio-compatible stabilization system includes one or more inserters and a connector for traversing a space between one or more bony structures. The stabilization system is designed to reduce or eliminate stress shielding effects while functioning as a tension band. The connector includes an extendable member and an over-extension limiter that limits extension of the extendable member.