Spinolaminar Locking Plate for Spinal Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for stabilizing the spinal column, such as spinal fusion, often fail to effectively restrict relative motion between vertebrae, especially in degenerative conditions, leading to ongoing compression of spinal nerves and inadequate bone fusion in osteoporotic or compromised bone structures.

Innovation Solution

The use of a pre-contoured anatomical spinolaminar locking plate with locking screws that span multiple vertebral structures, providing secure attachment and distributing load across multiple bone structures to reduce compressive or tensile forces, while allowing for precise screw placement and enhanced facet fusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spinal fusion is performed to stabilize the spinal column, then relative motion between vertebrae is restricted, but bone fusion is inadequate in osteoporotic or compromised bone structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestabilization effectivenessVSAvoidbone fusion quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The locking plate is pre-contoured with pre-formed locking mechanisms and pre-positioned screw holes that align with anatomical landmarks. This preliminary preparation allows immediate secure fixation without requiring extensive intraoperative bone preparation or trial-and-error positioning, thereby achieving reliable stabilization even in compromised bone structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking plate incorporates locally adapted features including variable thickness zones, region-specific locking mechanisms, and anatomically contoured surfaces that conform to specific vertebral regions. This localized optimization ensures adequate engagement with different bone qualities without requiring uniform reinforcement throughout the entire construct.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If extensive hardware placement is used to secure the locking plate, then fixation stability is improved, but surgical complexity and implant burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidhardware placement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fixation functions are merged into a single integrated locking plate construct. The plate combines lateral mass engagement, pedicle screw anchoring, and longitudinal rod connection in one unified component, eliminating the need for separate fixation elements and reducing surgical steps while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking plate is designed as a universal construct that can accommodate multiple screw types (pedicle screws, lateral mass screws, facet screws) and connect to various rod configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single plate design to provide stable fixation across different anatomical levels and patient populations without requiring custom components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8623062B2System and method to stablize a spinal column including a spinolaminar locking plate

Publication Date: 2014.01.07 KONDRASHOV DIMITRIY G

AI summary

A system adapted to be implanted in a patient to stabilize a spinal column of the patient comprises an anchoring plate having a shape generally conformal with at least a portion of a lamina associated with a targeted vertebra of the spinal column. The anchoring plate is securable to the targeted vertebra by two or more screws. A mounting bracket adapted to receive an secure a rod is connected with the anchoring plate.