Transcorporeal Spinal Decompression via Trajectory Control Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal surgery methods, such as vertebral fusion and artificial disc replacement, are invasive, lead to long recovery times, and may cause adjacent segment degeneration, spinal instability, and risks to the vertebral artery and dura mater, with inadequate decompression and implant stability.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for forming a transcorporeal access channel through a vertebral body using a bone cutting tool guided by a trajectory control sleeve, allowing precise access and decompression while preserving native tissue, and using an implantable bone repair device with a porous cage for integration and healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If vertebral fusion is performed to stabilize the spine, then spinal stability is improved, but adjacent segment degeneration occurs and recovery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary portion of the vertebral body (a small core of bone) to create an access channel, rather than removing large portions of bone or performing fusion. This minimal extraction approach provides stability through the preserved vertebral structure while avoiding the extended recovery time associated with fusion procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a focused access channel at a specific location within the vertebral body, preserving the surrounding healthy bone and tissue. This localized approach maintains spinal stability through the intact vertebral architecture while enabling decompression without the need for extensive fusion.
2Duration of action of moving object
If artificial disc replacement is used to preserve motion, then natural motion is improved, but long-term durability is uncertain and adjacent segment degeneration risk remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes only the necessary compressing pathology (herniated disc material, osteophyte, or tumor) through the access channel while preserving the natural disc and vertebral structure. This extraction approach maintains spinal motion through the intact disc while providing durable decompression without the uncertainties of artificial disc replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the body's natural healing processes to restore and maintain spinal function. The access channel allows direct access to decompress neural elements and remove pathology, enabling the spine to heal and maintain its natural motion capabilities without relying on artificial implants with uncertain long-term durability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional access channels are created through the vertebral body, then decompression is achieved, but tissue damage increases and biocompatibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a precisely defined access channel with specific geometric characteristics (circular cross-section, controlled depth and diameter) that minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This localized approach with controlled dimensions preserves the biocompatibility of the vertebral body while achieving the necessary decompression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous or cancellous bone structures within the access channel to facilitate healing and maintain biocompatibility. The porous nature of the bone allows for natural tissue ingrowth and integration, reducing the harmful effects of the surgical intervention while maintaining structural integrity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If extensive bone removal is performed to access neural elements, then decompression is achieved, but structural integrity of the vertebra is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the minimal necessary portion of the vertebral body (a small core containing the compressing pathology) while preserving the majority of the vertebral structure. This selective extraction achieves neural decompression while maintaining the strength and structural integrity of the vertebra through the preserved bone architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a focused access channel at a specific location within the vertebral body, preserving the surrounding healthy bone and tissue. This localized approach maintains vertebral structural integrity while enabling decompression through the minimal necessary tissue removal.
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
This approach minimizes tissue damage, reduces recovery time, enhances spinal stability, and promotes natural motion preservation by providing a controlled and stable access channel for decompression and repair, with improved biocompatibility and integration of the repair device.
Implementation Method 1
Subsequently, osteogenesis of the vertebrae into the implant occurs
Data Source
AI summary
Bone plates for engaging bone members are described herein. The bone plates can receive one or more screws to secure the bone plates to an underlying bone member. The one or more screws can be inserted into bone plate holes that can be considered locking or non-locking. The bone plates described herein can have particular combinations of locking and/or non-locking holes. In addition, instruments such as distal and proximal aiming guides can accompany the bone plates to guide one or more screws into the bone plates.