Spinous Process Fixation for Spondylolysis Fracture Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for treating spondylolysis, a stress fracture in the pars interarticularis of the vertebral arch, lack sufficient segmental rigid multi-planar fixation and often cause secondary side effects such as foraminal stenosis and postoperative radiculopathy, leading to limited surgical intervention and restrictive recommendations for patients.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method involves coupling a spinous process plate, a laminar plate, and a sub-laminar hook to the spine, with a rod extending to the pedicle, using fixation elements and anchoring screws to stabilize the fracture, allowing for multi-planar fixation and preventing bone movement, while minimizing disruption to neighboring facet joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional techniques (wires, cables, pedicle screws, rods) are used to repair pars interarticularis stress fracture, then some degree of improvement is achieved, but sufficient segmental rigid multi-planar fixation is not provided and secondary side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into multiple independent components: a spinous process plate for posterior fixation, a laminar plate for lateral fixation, and pedicle screws for deep bone anchoring. Each component addresses a specific fixation need, collectively providing comprehensive multi-planar stabilization without over-reliance on any single technique.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple fixation approaches into a unified system: the spinous process plate merges with the laminar plate through a connecting rod, creating an integrated construct that provides both posterior and lateral fixation simultaneously. This combination achieves superior multi-planar stabilization compared to single-technique approaches.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fixation techniques are used, then some stabilization is achieved, but they encroach and disrupt neighboring facet joints causing foraminal stenosis and postoperative radiculopathy
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation elements are strategically positioned to target specific anatomical structures: the spinous process plate anchors to the spinous process, the laminar plate anchors to the laminar, and pedicle screws anchor to the pedicle. This localized anchoring provides stable fixation while avoiding disruption to the facet joints and neural foramina, preventing foraminal stenosis and radiculopathy.
3Strength
If sizable implants are used for fixation, then adequate stabilization is achieved, but they become painful hardware in young thin patients
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system uses multiple small, optimized elements rather than one large implant. The spinous process plate, laminar plate, and pedicle screws are designed with precise dimensions and geometric shapes that maximize fixation strength relative to their size. The connecting rod provides leverage amplification, allowing smaller implants to achieve the stabilization effect of larger, more cumbersome hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus provide for coupling a spinous process plate to one lateral side of a spinous process of a spine of a patient; coupling a laminar plate to a laminar on the one lateral side of the spinous process of the spine; engaging a sub-laminar hook to the laminar on the one lateral side of the spinous process; and (iv) extending a rod toward a pedicle on the one lateral side of the spinous process of the spine of the patient, where the rod prohibits movement of bone associated with a fracture in a pars interarticularis of a vertebral arch on the one lateral side of the spinous process of the spine.