Vertebral Alignment Device for Spinal Deformity Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, often fail to effectively address both translational and rotational aspects of spinal curvature, with pedicle screws and fixation rods primarily focusing on translation and derotation after rod placement.
Innovation Solution
A vertebral adjustment system comprising a frame with alignment devices that include adjustable legs and cross-bars, allowing for pivotal and translational adjustments to realign vertebral bodies in multiple planes, enabling simultaneous correction of rotational and translational misalignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pedicle screws and fixation rods are used for spinal deformity correction, then translational alignment is improved, but rotational correction capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device incorporates adjustable legs with telescopic mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of leg lengths during the procedure. This dynamic adjustability enables the device to adapt to various rotational and translational correction requirements, resolving the contradiction between fixed translational alignment and versatile rotational correction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device is segmented into multiple independent components including adjustable legs, cross-bars, and connection mechanisms. Each segment can be independently adjusted to address specific alignment requirements, allowing simultaneous correction of both translational and rotational aspects of spinal deformities
2Manufacturing precision
If derotation is implemented after fixation rod placement, then rotational correction is achieved, but the process complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device is designed to establish proper rotational alignment before fixation rod placement. The adjustable legs and cross-bars enable pre-positioning of vertebral bodies in the correct orientation, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-rod derotation maneuvers and reducing overall procedure time
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid fixation system is used for spinal alignment, then stability is improved, but adaptability to different deformity configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines dynamic adjustment capabilities during alignment with stable fixation after positioning. The adjustable legs can be modified to match specific deformity configurations, and once positioned, the connection mechanisms provide rigid stabilization, thus achieving both adaptability and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device allows modification of geometric parameters such as leg lengths and cross-bar positions to accommodate different deformity configurations. These parameter changes enable adaptation to various spinal deformities while maintaining stable fixation through the rigid connection structures
Data Source
AI summary
A vertebral adjustment system configured to move individual vertebral bodies relative to the other vertebral bodies to thereby realign the spine. The system may include a frame, and a plurality of alignment devices coupled to the frame and to the individual vertebral bodies. By manipulated the alignment devices the vertebral bodies to which they are attached may be moved.