Spine Stabilization Rod With Reduced Diameter Segment

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional spinal fixation using rigid stabilization rods increases motion between adjacent spine segments, leading to unintended strain and potential injury and pain.

Innovation Solution

A flexible spine stabilization rod assembly with a central segment of reduced diameter and a sleeve member that limits unrestricted displacement, allowing controlled movement and reducing strain on adjacent spine segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid spine stabilization rod is used, then stability and immobilization of spine segments are improved, but motion of adjacent spine segments increases causing strain and potential injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of spine segmentsVSAvoidstrain on adjacent spine segments

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is divided into multiple segments with different diameters - a reduced diameter central segment between two end segments. This segmentation allows the central portion to flex and accommodate adjacent spine segment motion while the end segments maintain stability for fixation device attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the rod have different diameters to provide different functions: the end segments have larger diameter for stability and device engagement, while the central segment has reduced diameter for flexibility and motion accommodation, creating local quality variations throughout the rod structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a reduced diameter central segment is added to the rod, then flexibility and motion control of adjacent segments are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of rod assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of rod construction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is divided into multiple segments with different diameters - a reduced diameter central segment between two end segments. This segmentation allows the central portion to flex and accommodate adjacent spine segment motion while the end segments maintain stability for fixation device attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the rod have different diameters to provide different functions: the end segments have larger diameter for stability and device engagement, while the central segment has reduced diameter for flexibility and motion accommodation, creating local quality variations throughout the rod structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the rod allows desired movement of attached segments, then strain on adjacent segments is reduced, but stability and immobilization are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrain on adjacent spine segmentsVSAvoidimmobilization of spine segments

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is divided into multiple segments with different diameters - a reduced diameter central segment between two end segments. This segmentation allows the central portion to flex and accommodate adjacent spine segment motion while the end segments maintain stability for fixation device attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the rod have different diameters to provide different functions: the end segments have larger diameter for stability and device engagement, while the central segment has reduced diameter for flexibility and motion accommodation, creating local quality variations throughout the rod structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8894689B2Stabilization rod assembly for spine fixation and process of making same

Publication Date: 2014.11.25 OMNI SURGICAL L P SPINE 360

AI summary

A spine stabilization rod assembly comprises a rod and a sleeve member. The rod has a substantially round cross-sectional profile, a one-piece construction, and a substantially straight longitudinal axis. The rod has a reduced diameter segment between two opposing end segments thereof such that a shoulder is defined between the reduced diameter segment and each one of the end segments. The sleeve member is positioned over the reduced diameter segment of the rod. The sleeve member and the rod are coupled to each other such that translation of the sleeve along the rod causes an end portion of the sleeve to engage a corresponding one of the shoulders for limiting such translation.