Telescoping Spinal Stabilization Device with Non-Invasive Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization devices require invasive surgeries for reconfiguration post-surgery, leading to recurrent pain and complications due to inability to adjust spinal instrumentation without surgical intervention.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping spinal stabilization device with adjustable telescoping tubes and pedicle screws, allowing non-invasive reconfiguration using external energy sources like magnetic fields to engage and disengage fasteners, enabling adjustment of vertebral spacing and curvature without surgical incisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional spinal fixation instruments are used, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but the device cannot be adjusted post-surgery without invasive surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested telescoping tubes where an inner tube is positioned within an outer tube. This nesting arrangement allows the inner tube to slide relative to the outer tube, enabling adjustment of the distance between pedicle screws after surgery without requiring invasive procedures. The nested structure provides both adjustability and structural integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static spinal fixation device into a dynamic one by enabling the inner tube to slide within the outer tube. This dynamic mechanism allows the device to adapt its configuration post-surgery to accommodate changes in spinal curvature and positioning, maintaining optimal stabilization throughout the healing process.
2Ease of operation
If spinal surgery is performed with patient under general anesthesia in prone position, then spinal instrumentation is placed, but the spine curvature changes when patient stands and walks causing additional pain
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping mechanism enables the spinal instrumentation to dynamically adapt to changes in spinal alignment that occur when the patient transitions from prone position to standing and walking. The adjustable inner tube allows reconfiguration to maintain proper spinal curvature and alignment in various positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows changes in the physical parameters of the spinal device by enabling adjustment of the inner tube position within the outer tube. This parameter adjustment modifies the distance and relative positioning of pedicle screws to accommodate changes in spinal curvature and maintain optimal alignment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If spinal fusion is performed to fuse spine in optimum shape, then spinal stability is improved, but over long run there is wear and tear and degeneration leading to pain and requiring more surgeries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables long-term maintenance of spinal stability by allowing parameter adjustments to the device configuration. The inner tube can be repositioned within the outer tube to accommodate changes in spinal geometry that occur over time, addressing wear and tear without requiring additional invasive surgeries.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable mechanism allows the spinal device to serve itself by enabling non-invasive adjustments to maintain optimal positioning. This self-adjustment capability extends the duration of effective spinal stabilization and delays or prevents the need for revision surgeries.
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
Enables non-invasive adjustment of spinal alignment and curvature, reducing the need for multiple surgeries, shortening treatment duration, and lowering overall treatment costs by allowing post-surgical adjustments to maintain optimal spinal positioning.
Implementation Method 1
allowing non-invasive reconfiguration using external energy sources like magnetic fields to engage and disengage fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal stabilization device that can be used to non-invasively correct spacing and curvature between at least two vertebral structures. The spinal stabilization device includes two telescoping tubes wherein ends of the two tubes can have pedicle screws that can be fastened to two or more vertebral bones. The overall length of the spinal stabilization device can be adjusted by moving the inner tube within the outer tube. Both the outer tube and the inner tube have multiple holes for receiving fasteners, wherein a fastener can be inserted through a hole in the outer tube into a hole in the inner tube for interlocking the inner tube and outer tube. The extension of the fastener into the holes and retraction from the holes can be controlled non-invasively from an external source. When the fastener is disengaged, the inner tube and the outer tube can freely move relative to each other, and the positions of the two or more vertebral bones can be non-invasively adjusted by subjecting a person to predefined movements and body posture. Upon achieving the desired positions, the fastener can be engaged to interlock the inner tube and the outer tube.