Spinal Tether Ratchet Mechanism for Adjustable Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for correcting spinal disorders, such as degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, often require invasive procedures and lack effective tools for adjusting tension in spinal constructs, which can limit their efficacy in achieving optimal alignment and stability.
Innovation Solution
A spinal construct system featuring a tether with adjustable tension, utilizing a ratchet mechanism that can be engaged with fasteners connected to spinal tissue, allowing for precise adjustment of tension between vertebrae, either during or after implantation, to correct spinal deformities without fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional spinal correction methods are used, then spinal alignment can be achieved, but the procedures are highly invasive and lack adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing an adjustable tether system with ratchets that allow post-implantation tension modification. The tether tension can be dynamically adjusted after surgery to optimize spinal alignment, transforming a static implant system into a dynamic one that can adapt to patient needs over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by providing predetermined tension options in the tethers before implantation. The tethers are pre-tensioned to specific values, allowing surgeons to select appropriate tension levels in advance, which simplifies the surgical procedure while ensuring reliable alignment stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed tension spinal constructs are used, then implantation is simpler, but adjustment after implantation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tether system into modular components with discrete tension settings. The ratchet mechanism is segmented into specific tension levels, allowing the system to maintain manufacturing simplicity while providing post-implantation adjustability through selective engagement of different tension segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the self-locking ratchet mechanism that maintains selected tension levels without requiring active maintenance or complex control systems. Once a tension level is selected and the ratchet engages, the system automatically maintains that tension, providing both simplicity and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable tension mechanisms are added to spinal constructs, then post-implantation adjustment is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by using simple, inexpensive ratchet mechanisms that can be manufactured at low cost. These basic mechanical ratchets provide the necessary adjustability function without requiring complex electronics or sophisticated mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Reliability
If invasive surgical procedures are used for spinal correction, then effective correction can be achieved, but patient recovery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustability of the tether system allows for optimization of correction effectiveness after the minimally invasive procedure, enabling patients to achieve effective correction without undergoing more invasive surgery, thereby reducing recovery time while maintaining correction reliability.
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 provides a minimally invasive means to adjust and maintain tension in spinal constructs, effectively correcting spinal deformities by allowing for growth and adjustment, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing the need for invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A ratchet is engagable with the at least one tether to adjust the tension
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal construct includes at least one tether extending between a first end connectable with a first fastener connected with spinal tissue and a second end connectable with a second fastener connected with spinal tissue. The at least one tether has a tension between the fasteners. A ratchet is engagable with the at least one tether to adjust the tension. Systems and methods are disclosed.