Spinous Process Fixation Device Midline Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation systems that attach to vertebral bodies or pedicles add bulk to the spine, limiting access to the pars and transverse processes for decortication and bone graft placement, and are difficult to extend for additional fusion procedures.
Innovation Solution
A spinal stabilization device comprising an implantable assembly with a body, bent arm, and straight arm that attaches to spinous processes, allowing for adjustable pivot angles and locking mechanisms to secure the device without adding bulk to the lateral spine, enabling easy access for decortication and bone graft placement, and can be extended to multiple spinous processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rod fixation systems or plate fixation systems are used to stabilize the spine, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but bulk is added to the lateral aspect of the spine which limits access to the pars and transverse processes for decortication and bone graft placement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the fixation system from the lateral aspect of the spine to the midline spinous processes. By attaching fixation elements directly to the spinous processes in the midline, the system achieves spinal stabilization without adding bulk to the lateral aspect, thereby maintaining surgical access to the pars and transverse processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the fixation function from the lateral rod/plate system and relocates it to the midline spinous processes. This separation allows the stabilization function to be achieved independently without interfering with lateral surgical access.
2Reliability
If rod fixation systems are used to stabilize the spine, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but it becomes difficult to extend the fixation to higher or lower vertebral levels when additional fusion is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses individual fixation elements that can be independently attached to each spinous process. This segmented approach allows easy extension to additional vertebral levels by simply adding more fixation elements, without requiring complex connectors or rod lengthening procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation elements are designed to be universally applicable across multiple vertebral levels. Each element can be independently attached to any spinous process, providing a modular system that can be easily extended to accommodate additional fusion levels without changing the basic fixation mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If decortication is performed before placing rods to avoid lateral bulk, then access is improved, but blood loss increases and maintaining a clear operative field becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary attachment of fixation elements to the spinous processes before decortication of the pars and transverse processes. This sequence allows the fixation elements to be positioned and secured first, then decortication can proceed with minimal blood loss since the main surgical field is already established and controlled.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable spinous process stabilization assembly includes a body, a bent arm and a straight arm. The body includes first and second crosspieces arranged parallel to each other, a first plate extending in a direction at right angle to first ends of the first and second crosspieces, first and second rings extending from second ends of the first and second crosspieces, respectively and a second plate extending from a base of the first and second rings, at right angle to the first and second crosspieces and in an opposite direction to the first plate's direction. The bent arm and the straight arm are configured to pivot around an axis perpendicular to the first and second rings and to set first and second pivot angles with the first and second plates, respectively, thereby defining first and second spaces configured to receive and lock onto first and second spinous processes, respectively.