Spinal Tulip and Eyelet Screw Tethering for PJK Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fusion surgeries often result in Proximal Junctional Kyphosis (PJK), characterized by an abnormal forward curvature of the spine at the junctional area, leading to pain, functional limitations, and neurological deficits, due to factors like surgical technique, patient factors, and biomechanical stress, with current tethering methods not providing adequate mechanical leverage and relying on low bone strength.
Innovation Solution
A novel orthopedic system using tethers secured by pedicle screws and tulips, which include helical inclined planes for coupling, to stabilize the spine by securing to both fused and unfused segments, reducing forward movement through MERSILENE® tape or polyester fiber tethers, and maintaining spinal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional tethering methods are used to stabilize the spine, then the procedure can be performed, but the mechanical leverage is insufficient and relies on low bone strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the eyelet and tether system) that transfers forces from the spine to external anchoring points. The eyelet acts as a mediator to secure the tether, which then provides mechanical leverage through external anchoring rather than relying solely on bone strength, thereby resolving the contradiction between sufficient mechanical leverage and reliability of stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical system that relies on bone anchoring with a new system that uses external anchoring points. Instead of depending on bone strength to provide mechanical leverage, the system substitutes this with a tethering mechanism anchored externally, providing more reliable and sufficient mechanical leverage for spinal stabilization.
2Strength
If pedicle screws and tulips with helical inclined planes are used to secure tethers, then mechanical leverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The tulip structure combines the pedicle screw anchoring function with the tether securing function in a single integrated component. The helical inclined plane is integrated into the tulip design, allowing it to serve both as a coupling mechanism and as a structural element, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining improved mechanical leverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The tulip component serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support, provides the helical inclined plane for coupling, and secures the tether through its integrated eyelet. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving the goal of improved mechanical leverage through the combined design.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for treating a spinal condition are disclosed that include a tulip to secure to a rod and an orthopedic screw including an eyelet. The tulip includes a housing that provides a rod channel to receive the rod therethrough and a threaded conduit of a clamping mechanism, which is to secure the rod within the rod channel. The orthopedic screw is at the clamping mechanism to secure the rod at the tulip. Tightening the orthopedic screw tightens the clamping mechanism. The orthopedic screw includes an elongate threaded cylindrical shaft to be rotated into the threaded conduit of the tulip housing to engage and mate with the threaded conduit of the clamping mechanism. The orthopedic screw includes a head to be manipulated to rotate the threaded cylindrical shaft into the threaded conduit of the tulip. The head includes an eyelet to receive a tether therethrough.