Vertebral Alignment Lever for Minimally Invasive Spondylolisthesis Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for correcting spondylolisthesis, a condition where a vertebra is anteriorly or posteriorly displaced relative to an adjacent vertebra, often result in nerve pressure, pain, and muscular atrophy, and require invasive procedures like fusion or decompression, which can be traumatic and costly.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising rigid extensions secured to misaligned vertebrae using lateral, anterior, or posterior approaches, with a lever mechanism to apply pulling and pushing forces to align the vertebrae, optionally with an intervertebral spacer for stabilization, and fasteners for maintaining alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conservative approaches like physical therapy and NSAIDs are used, then patient trauma is reduced, but the effectiveness in correcting spondylolisthesis is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple segments including a first rigid extension for the first vertebra, a second rigid extension for the second vertebra, and an intervertebral spacer between them. This segmentation allows independent positioning and adjustment of each vertebra, enabling effective correction of spondylolisthesis while minimizing trauma through a single surgical approach.
Solution Approach 2:
An intervertebral spacer is introduced as an intermediary element between the two misaligned vertebrae. This spacer maintains proper spacing and alignment while the lever mechanism applies corrective forces, enabling effective realignment without direct manipulation of the vertebrae themselves, thus reducing surgical trauma.
2Reliability
If invasive procedures like fusion or decompression are performed, then spondylolisthesis correction is effective, but patient trauma and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions into a single system: the rigid extensions attach to vertebrae, the intervertebral spacer maintains proper spacing, and the lever mechanism applies corrective forces. This multi-functional integration achieves effective spondylolisthesis correction without requiring separate fusion or decompression procedures, reducing surgical trauma and recovery time.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies corrective forces through a lever mechanism that operates in a different dimensional plane than traditional direct vertebral manipulation. By using a lever arm that rotates about a pivot point, the device can apply complex three-dimensional alignment forces through a single minimally invasive approach, avoiding the need for traumatic open surgery.
3Manufacturing precision
If a lever mechanism is used to align vertebrae, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism uses a counterbalancing force system where the lever arm provides mechanical advantage to apply precise corrective forces. The pivot point acts as a fulcrum that balances the forces applied to each vertebra, enabling precise alignment control without requiring complex active control systems or multiple actuators.
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 device effectively aligns misaligned vertebrae minimally invasively, reducing trauma, recovery time, and cost, while providing stable alignment through lever mechanisms and fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
a lever configured to lever the first rigid extension with respect to the second rigid extension to move the first rigid extension with respect to the second rigid extension, to thereby exert a pulling force on the first of the two misaligned bones, and a pushing force on the second of the two misaligned bones, aligning the first and second misaligned bones
Data Source
AI summary
Misaligned bones on opposite sides of a joint are aligned using a first rigid extension securable to one of the misaligned bones using a particular surgical approach, and a second rigid extension having a contacting surface positionable in contact with the other the two misaligned bones from the same surgical approach. The first and second rigid extensions are moved with respect to each other using a lever, whereby a pulling force is exerted on one of the bones, and a pushing force on the other, thereby aligning the first and second misaligned bones.