Swellable Interspinous Implant for Dynamic Spinal Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization methods, such as spinal fusion, lead to loss of mobility and adjacent disc deterioration due to increased strain, while minimally invasive techniques aim to reduce tissue damage but require improved devices for dynamic stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A swellable, resilient interspinous implant with oppositely disposed retaining members connected by a centrally disposed cross body, capable of expanding anisotropically or isotropically to fit between spinous processes, providing dynamic stabilization and minimizing surgical trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If spinal fusion is used to stabilize the spine, then stability is improved, but mobility is lost and adjacent disc deterioration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating an interspinous device that allows controlled motion between adjacent vertebrae rather than rigid fusion. The device includes a compressible core surrounded by a fibrous ring that can deform under load, enabling the spinous processes to move relative to each other while maintaining stabilization. This dynamic design permits normal spinal motion patterns to continue while providing the necessary stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing materials with varying mechanical properties - a compressible polymer core surrounded by a fibrous ring with different stiffness characteristics. The compressible core allows for motion and load distribution, while the fibrous ring provides structural support and containment. This combination of materials with different mechanical parameters enables both stability and mobility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fusion is performed to stabilize vertebrae, then stability is improved, but adjacent disc strain increases causing deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The interspinous device provides dynamic stabilization that distributes mechanical loads more evenly across the spinal segment. By allowing controlled motion between spinous processes, the device prevents excessive strain concentration on adjacent discs that would occur with rigid fusion. The compressible core acts as a shock absorber, reducing peak stresses on surrounding disc structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible polymer core acts as an intermediary element between the spinous processes and the adjacent discs. This intermediate structure absorbs and distributes mechanical loads, preventing direct transmission of high stresses to the adjacent discs. The fibrous ring serves as another intermediary layer that provides gradual load transfer while maintaining stability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive techniques are used to reduce tissue damage, then tissue trauma is reduced, but device effectiveness for dynamic stabilization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the interspinous device into distinct functional components: a compressible polymer core and a surrounding fibrous ring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the core provides compression and motion allowance, while the ring provides structural support and containment. This modular design enables effective dynamic stabilization through minimally invasive insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials by combining a compressible polymer core with a fibrous ring structure. This composite construction provides multiple functions simultaneously - the polymer core offers compression and motion flexibility, while the fibrous ring provides tensile strength and containment. The composite structure achieves reliable dynamic stabilization through a single minimally invasive insertion procedure.
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 implant effectively stabilizes adjacent vertebrae, reduces pressure on nerves, and allows for normal spinal motion, alleviating pain and improving disc health through its ability to expand and maintain alignment, thus overcoming the limitations of rigid fusion and invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the implant is made of a swellable polymeric medium which may be a fluid absorbing polymer, e.g., a hydrogel
Implementation Method 2
the implant expands in size to dynamically maintain the adjacent spinous processes in beneficial alignment
Implementation Method 3
A swellable, resilient self-retaining interspinous implant
Data Source
AI summary
A swellable, resilient self-retaining interspinous implant that includes two oppositely disposed retaining members connected by a centrally disposed cross body, the cross body defining a center axis, each retaining member extending in opposite directions relative to each other and perpendicular to the center axis, the implant being dimensioned and configured to fit between two spinous processes of two adjacent vertebrae. In embodiments, the implant has a first configuration of reduced size such that it can be inserted into the patient in a minimally invasive manner. Once inserted to an application point within the patient, the implant expands in size to dynamically maintain the adjacent spinous processes in beneficial alignment. Also provided is a method of making a swellable, resilient interspinous implant as described herein. Also provided is a method of treating a degenerative condition of a spine which includes creating an incision and inserting, through the incision, between two spinous processes of two adjacent vertebrae, a swellable, resilient interspinous implant as described herein.