Spinous Process Reconstruction Device with Tapered Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for reconstructing the spinous process in spinal surgery often excessively immobilize vertebrae, leading to patient discomfort and limited mobility, as they typically fuse adjacent vertebrae together, which is not necessary for all cases.
Innovation Solution
A device with a tapered main portion and a bow-shaped fixing bar that allows for the reconstruction of the spinous process with minimal invasiveness, providing anchoring points for ligaments and allowing for natural mobility by acting as a bridge between vertebrae, featuring a polygonal geometry to prevent rotation and a lightweight design with lightening holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fusion devices are used to reconstruct the spinous process, then the spinous process is stabilized and immobilized, but excessive immobilization of vertebrae occurs leading to patient discomfort and limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a main portion for engagement with the spinous process and a separate fixing bar that connects to longitudinal bars, allowing selective stabilization of the spinous process while preserving mobility of adjacent vertebrae through the connection to the broader spinal fixation system
Solution Approach 2:
The reconstruction device serves multiple functions: it reconstructs the spinous process anatomy, provides ligament attachment points, and connects to the spinal fixation system through the fixing bar, thereby stabilizing the spinous process without requiring direct fusion of adjacent vertebrae
2Shape
If fusion devices are used to reconstruct the spinous process, then bone anatomy is restored, but adjacent vertebrae are excessively immobilized
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the spinous process reconstruction function from the vertebral stabilization function, allowing the main portion to restore bone anatomy while the fixing bar connects to the spinal fixation system for controlled stabilization without fusing adjacent vertebrae
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing bar acts as an intermediary element that connects the reconstruction device to the longitudinal bars of the spinal fixation system, enabling indirect stabilization that preserves natural vertebral mobility while restoring spinous process anatomy
3Weight of moving object
If a tapered main portion is used for the reconstruction device, then the device can be minimally invasive and lightweight, but positioning precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The main portion has an asymmetric tapered shape that is optimized for minimal invasiveness and lightweight design, while the polygonal cross-section provides geometric locking with the fixing bar to ensure precise positioning without requiring additional weight or complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The polygonal geometry of the main portion creates a geometric lock with the fixing bar, preventing rotation and ensuring precise positioning through shape complementarity rather than relying on weight or complex positioning mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
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AI summary
Device (1) for reconstructing a spinous process, comprising a main portion (2) having at least a first engaging hole (3) and one fixing bar (4) insertable transversely in such engaging hole (3). The main portion (2) has at least one through-seat (5) for inserting ligaments to be reconstructed. The reconstruction device (1) is part of a spinal fixing equipment comprising a pair of side longitudinal bars (11) adapted to be arranged in a sagittal direction (Y) to the sides of the spinous processes of the cervical and/or spinal vertebrae, and a connection element (12) connecting each of said longitudinal bars (11 ) to the fixing bar (4) transverse to the reconstruction device (1).