Spinous Process Clamp With Spike Arrays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fixation systems face challenges in stabilizing the spinous process, particularly in the cervical region, due to inadequate immobilization and increased risk of complications, especially in patients with osteoporosis, and are inconvenient to implant and remove, with limitations in accommodating varying vertebrae sizes and dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising blocks with sharp spikes or acicular members that compress against the spinous process, paired with longitudinal rods and a clamping device, allowing for adjustable and secure stabilization of multiple spinal levels, accommodating various sizes and facilitating quick and safe implantation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spinous process wiring is used, then flexion is prevented, but rotation and extension are still permitted leading to poor fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The block is segmented with multiple spikes arranged in arrays on different surfaces, allowing multi-directional engagement with the spinous process. This segmentation enables the device to prevent flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral movement simultaneously, resolving the contradiction by providing comprehensive immobilization rather than single-direction control.
Solution Approach 2:
The block incorporates spikes made of different materials or with different properties (e.g., sharp spikes for penetration, blunt spikes for compression) on different surfaces. This composite approach allows the same device to provide both rigid fixation and controlled compression, achieving reliable fixation while maintaining immobilization effectiveness.
2Reliability
If lateral bone mass screws are used, then stability is increased, but risk of vertebral artery or nerve injury and technical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The block acts as an intermediary device that distributes compressive forces across the spinous process without requiring direct screw insertion into vulnerable bone regions. The spikes engage the spinous process surface and transmit forces through the block structure, eliminating the need for lateral mass screw insertion and thereby preventing injury to vertebral arteries and nerves while maintaining stability.
3Reliability
If compression plates are used, then stability is improved, but adaptability to varying spinous process dimensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The block incorporates adjustable elements such as movable spikes or adjustable compression surfaces that can be positioned to match different spinous process dimensions. This dynamic adjustability allows the same device to adapt to varying sizes and shapes while maintaining stable compression and fixation, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular system with spikes is used, then adaptability to varying sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The block is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: compression, multi-directional fixation, and adaptation to different spinous process sizes. By integrating these functions into a single device rather than requiring multiple specialized components, the system achieves high adaptability while actually reducing overall complexity compared to modular systems requiring multiple separate parts.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modular system provides reliable stabilization of the spinous process, reduces the risk of complications, and is adaptable to different sizes and dimensions, enabling efficient and safe implantation and removal, while minimizing movement and enhancing fusion capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Each block has a surface facing the portion of the spinous process to be engaged, the surface having an array of sharp spikes or otherwise acicular members. A clamping device may be further provided to perform the preliminary task of compressing the blocks against the spinous process. The spikes may penetrate the spinous process and further stabilize the blocks in place upon the spinous process member.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular system for fixation of a spinous process includes at least one pair of blocks shaped so as to engage a particular segment of the spinous process and arranged on opposing sides of the spinous process. Each block has a surface facing the portion of the spinous process to be engaged, the surface having an array of sharp spikes to penetrate the spinous process when so engaged. Two rods arranged parallel to the spinous process are provided to connect the at least one pair of blocks and therefore stabilize multiple segments of the spinous process. Each block includes an aperture within a central portion of the block and shaped so as to slidably receive one of the rods. Set screws are provided so as to securely position the block along the length of the rod.