Pivotal Spinous Process Expander Ligament Preservation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for expanding spacing between spinous processes in patients with spinal disorders are complex, difficult to install and remove, and often damage spinal ligaments, increasing the risk of bleeding and infection.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first and second supporter with protrusions and concave portions, pivotally connected by a pin, allowing for easy expansion and closure to accommodate spinous processes while preserving ligament integrity, facilitating simple installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional supporters are used to expand spacing between spinous processes, then the spacing expansion is achieved, but the spinal ligament is destroyed and the surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate supporters (first supporter and second supporter) that can be independently inserted and positioned on opposite sides of the spinous process, with each supporter having its own body and engagement features. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that can be installed separately without requiring complex ligament disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
A pin is introduced as an intermediary element that pivotally connects the first supporter and second supporter, enabling them to work together as a coordinated system. The pin acts as a mediator that transfers force and motion between the two supporters, allowing expansion while maintaining ligament integrity through a more straightforward mechanical connection.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional supporters are used to expand spacing between spinous processes, then the spacing expansion is achieved, but the difficulty of installation and removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a pivotal connection through the pin that allows the first and second supporters to rotate relative to each other, transitioning between a closed state (for insertion) and an expanded state (for spacing maintenance). This dynamic mechanism enables easy installation by simply pivoting the supporters into position without requiring complex fastening or ligament disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The first protrusion and third protrusion are designed to nest within corresponding concave portions of the opposing supporters when in the closed state, creating a compact configuration for insertion. Upon pivoting to the expanded state, these protrusions disengage from the concave portions, automatically transitioning the device to the spacing expansion configuration without additional installation steps.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional supporters are used to expand spacing between spinous processes, then the spacing expansion is achieved, but the risk of bleeding and infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to achieve spacing expansion through a pivotal motion that avoids direct ligament destruction. By using the pin-based pivotal connection and the coordinated movement of the two supporters, the system prevents the harmful action of ligament cutting or tearing that would otherwise be necessary to install conventional single-sided supporters, thereby reducing bleeding and infection risks from the outset.
4Volume of moving object
If conventional supporters are used to expand spacing between spinous processes, then the spacing expansion is achieved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first protrusion and third protrusion are pre-configured in specific positions on the first and second supporters, respectively, and the concave portions are pre-formed to receive these protrusions. This preliminary configuration allows the supporters to be pre-assembled in a compact state and then simply pivoted into the final expanded position, eliminating the need for time-consuming intraoperative adjustments or complex fastening procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for expanding spacing between spinous processes includes a first supporter, a second supporter and a pin. The first supporter includes a first protrusion, a second protrusion opposing the first protrusion, and a first concave portion formed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion for supporting one spinous process. The second supporter includes a third protrusion, a fourth protrusion opposing the third protrusion, and a second concave portion formed between the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion for supporting another spinous process. The pin pivots the first supporter to the second supporter so as to provide the device an expansion state and a close state for removal and installation between two spinous processes. In addition, a method for expanding spacing between spinous processes is also provided.