Transverse Connector for Spinal Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal deformity correction methods often rely on rigid stabilization, which limits spinal mobility and does not allow for natural curvature adjustment, and may not promote vertebral fusion effectively.
Innovation Solution
A spinal correction and fusion system that uses a longer rod for initial correction and a shorter rod for secondary stabilization, allowing for lateral translational and derotational forces, with adjustable components to facilitate vertebral fusion and maintain natural spinal curvature without permanent fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid stabilization is used to correct spinal deformity, then stability and maintenance of correction are improved, but spinal mobility and natural curvature adjustment are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic connectors that allow controlled movement between spinal rods and vertebrae. These connectors enable the spinal stabilization system to adapt to natural spinal motion while maintaining corrective positioning, resolving the contradiction between rigid stability and physiological mobility through controlled dynamic adjustment capabilities
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid stabilization is used to maintain correction, then correction maintenance is improved, but vertebral fusion promotion is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes adjustable connectors that can modify mechanical parameters such as stiffness and positioning over time. This allows the system to provide initial rigid stabilization for correction maintenance while gradually transitioning to promote vertebral fusion through controlled parameter adjustments that stimulate biological healing processes
3Stability of the object's composition
If permanent fusion is performed to stabilize the spine, then stability is improved, but natural spinal movement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic, adjustable connectors that maintain spinal stabilization while preserving controlled natural movement. These connectors provide stability through adjustable mechanical constraints rather than permanent fusion, allowing the spine to maintain physiological mobility while achieving the necessary stabilization for deformity correction
4Device complexity
If a single rod system is used for spinal correction, then device complexity is reduced, but correction effectiveness and secondary stabilization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a segmented spinal stabilization system with multiple rods and connectors that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows for more effective correction of complex spinal deformities while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular, standardized components that can be configured for specific patient needs
Data Source
AI summary
A transverse connector of a stabilizing system for correcting a spinal deformity includes a mounting portion adapted to be secured to a vertebra, a head portion having a pocket for receiving a spinal rod, a connection portion extending between the mounting portion and the head portion, and an arm portion extending from the mounting portion to a terminal end. The arm portion is substantially elongate in shape and is adapted to extend laterally across a vertebra of a spine. A flexible tether is secured to the terminal end of the arm portion.