Adjustable Spinous Process Cross-Link Implant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implants do not effectively address the need for a prosthetic device that specifically replaces only the lamina and spinous process during lumbar laminectomy procedures, lacking a prosthetic spinous process cross-link solution.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic spinous process cross-link implant is designed with a mounting assembly that includes screws, rods, and adjustable link arms with C-shaped gripping portions, allowing for adjustable fit and ease of installation, along with a modular yoke arrangement for anatomical customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a prosthetic device replaces only the lamina and spinous process, then the device provides targeted replacement for lumbar laminectomy procedures, but the device lacks sufficient structural support and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic device is divided into multiple functional segments: a spinous process replacement body, a lamina replacement body, and a cross-link mechanism. Each segment performs a specific function - the spinous process body provides posterior element replacement, the lamina body provides structural arch support, and the cross-link connects bilateral elements to ensure stability. This segmentation allows targeted replacement while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges multiple replacement functions into a single integrated prosthetic system. The spinous process replacement body and lamina replacement body are connected through cross-links to form a unified structure that simultaneously replaces both posterior elements and provides structural support, eliminating the need for separate implant devices.
2Reliability
If a prosthetic device replaces the lamina and spinous process with a fixed structure, then the device provides structural stability, but the device cannot accommodate various anatomical configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-link mechanism incorporates adjustable link arms with articulation joints that allow dynamic adaptation to different anatomical configurations. The link arms can be positioned at various angles and lengths to match the specific spinal anatomy of each patient, while the rigid bodies provide structural stability. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction between fixed stability and anatomical versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows modification of key geometric parameters including the length and angle of the link arms, the position of attachment points, and the orientation of the cross-link. These parameter changes enable the prosthetic to be customized for different spinal anatomies while maintaining the structural integrity provided by the rigid lamina and spinous process replacement bodies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a prosthetic device uses complex connection mechanisms for adjustability, then the device can fit various anatomical configurations, but the device increases installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The link arms and cross-link components are pre-configured with standardized adjustment features and attachment mechanisms during manufacturing. The surgeon can perform simple adjustments intraoperatively without requiring complex assembly procedures. The modular design allows for pre-packaged component sets that simplify the installation process while maintaining anatomical adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic spinous process cross-link implant for the replacement of a posterior vertebral element. The implant includes a cross link body member with a pair of adjustable link arms connected to the cross link body to size the implant to specific anatomical configurations. The implant includes a rod clamp that is spring loaded to a forward position such that capturing a spinal rod on to the adjustable link arms to achieve a snap on effect thereby increasing the ease of installation. A plurality of spinous process cross-link implants can be assembled as a kit wherein the set includes a group of spinous process type yokes and bridge type yokes each group including both fixed and variable sized implants.