Spinous Process Stabilization Device with Adjustable Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for devices that effectively stabilize spinous processes along the vertebral column through attachment to spinous processes at one or more vertebral levels, providing resistance to spinal extension and flexion motions while maintaining support and alignment.
Innovation Solution
An implantable device comprising first and second spaced plates with a connecting post, an adjustable spacer member positioned between the plates to contact adjacent spinous process surfaces, and a locking mechanism to secure the plates in place, resisting movement and providing support by extending between the spinous processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stabilization device is attached to spinous processes to resist spinal extension and flexion motions, then stability and support are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for adjustable spacing and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components including first and second plates, a post connecting them, and an adjustable spacer member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while enabling easier adjustment and installation, resolving the contradiction between providing stable support and maintaining device simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer member is designed to be adjustable along the post, allowing dynamic modification of the spacing between plates to accommodate different vertebral anatomies. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to various patient needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spacing between plates is made adjustable to accommodate different vertebral anatomies, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer member can be positioned at different locations along the post and secured with a locking mechanism, providing adaptability to various vertebral spacings without requiring multiple different device configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability achieves versatility while maintaining a single standardized device design
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable spacer mechanism serves multiple functions: it accommodates different vertebral anatomies, allows for precise positioning of plates, and provides a standardized interface for installation. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Strength
If the device structure is made more robust to resist movement during spinal extension and flexion, then strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to precision requirements for adjustable components
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the stabilization function (plates and post) from the adjustment function (spacer member), each component can be manufactured independently with optimized tolerances. The robust structural components focus on strength while the adjustment mechanism uses standard fastening features, resolving the contradiction between strength and manufacturability
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices and methods for supporting adjacent spinous processes include opposing plates movable toward one another along a cross post to contact opposite sides of each of the spinous processes, and a spacer member about the cross post contacting the adjacent surfaces of the spinous processes to resist movement of the spinous processes toward one another under spinal extension motion.