Expandable Spinal Support for Compression Fracture Screw Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fixation systems fail to provide sufficient anchoring force in vertebrae with compression fractures, leading to bone failure and screw backout, limiting their effectiveness in treating conditions like osteoporosis and cancer-induced fractures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an expandable support device that can be surgically implanted to provide stability and support to weakened or damaged bone areas, which can be secured with bone cement and integrated with spinal fixation devices like pedicle screws or plates, offering enhanced anchoring and adjustable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixation screws are placed directly into vertebrae with compression fractures, then spinal fixation can be achieved, but the bones can fail and the fixation screws can be ripped from the bone resulting in complete failure
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into two distinct components: an expandable support device that is first placed into the vertebral body to provide structural support and distribute loads, and then fixation screws are attached to this support device. This segmentation allows the weak fracture zone to be supported by the expandable device while the screws attach to the stronger support structure, preventing screw ripout.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable support device serves as an intermediary element between the fixation screws and the fractured vertebra. It is inserted into the vertebral body first, expanded to provide structural support, and then the fixation screws are attached to it. This intermediary transfers and distributes the loads from the screws across the fracture zone without concentrating stress at the screw-bone interface, thereby preventing bone failure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixation rods or plates are used to immobilize vertebrae, then spinal stability can be achieved, but the system lacks adaptability for vertebrae with compression fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable support device transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded deployed state within the vertebral body. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt its size and structural support characteristics to match the specific geometry and fracture conditions of different vertebrae, providing customized stabilization rather than a one-size-fits-all rigid approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its physical parameters (volume, radial dimension, structural configuration) by expanding from a compact delivery configuration to a larger deployed configuration within the vertebra. This parameter change enables the device to provide appropriate structural support and load distribution tailored to the specific fracture conditions, enhancing adaptability while maintaining spinal stability.
3Reliability
If vertebroplasty is used to treat compression fractures by injecting cement, then fracture stabilization can be achieved, but the cement mixture is limited to certain chemical compositions limiting beneficial compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable support device acts as an intermediary scaffold that provides mechanical stabilization without requiring the use of limited chemical compositions. Unlike vertebroplasty cement which is constrained to specific formulations, the device can be made from various biocompatible materials and can provide structural support independently, allowing greater flexibility in material selection and eliminating chemical composition limitations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Expandable support devices for tissue repair are disclosed. The devices can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. Surgical devices and methods for adjusting (e.g., removing, repositioning, resizing) deployed orthopedic expandable support devices are also disclosed. The expandable support devices can be engaged and surgically implanted by an engagement device and affixed to bone to provide stability and support for the devices. The expandable support devices are attachable to spinal fixation devices such as screws or plates, and may be used to support such devices when placed in weakened or damaged areas of bone.