Vertebral Facet Distractor for Spinal Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for spondylotic disease, which involves compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, often result in permanent damage and require surgical intervention, with existing methods failing to effectively address the underlying instability of spinal segments and inter-facet space reduction.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a vertebral facet distractor with interconnected abutment surfaces that distract adjacent vertebrae, promoting arthrodesis and stabilization, thereby increasing space for the spinal cord and roots, and providing a method for implanting this device to achieve sustained traction and fixation of spinal segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical intervention is performed to relieve pressure on spinal cord or nerve roots, then permanent damage is prevented, but the underlying instability of spinal segments and inter-facet space reduction remains untreated
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor device is divided into multiple components including a first body with a first abutment surface, a second body with a second abutment surface, and an interconnected structure. These segmented components work together to distract vertebral facets while maintaining structural integrity, allowing the device to address both decompression and stabilization needs simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The distractor device acts as an intermediary element inserted between adjacent vertebral facets to maintain distraction and prevent facet joint collapse. This intermediary structure provides sustained separation of vertebral bodies, addressing the underlying instability while preventing permanent nerve damage.
2Area of stationary object
If vertebral facets are distracted to increase space for spinal cord and roots, then foraminal narrowing is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second bodies of the distractor are interconnected through a connecting structure, creating a unified device that combines decompression and stabilization functions. This merged structure simplifies implantation compared to multiple separate components while effectively increasing spinal canal diameter and preventing foraminal narrowing.
Solution Approach 2:
The distractor device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it distracts vertebral facets to increase spinal canal diameter, prevents foraminal narrowing, and stabilizes spinal segments. This multi-functional design reduces the need for multiple separate devices or procedures, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the sophisticated capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If artificial disc replacement is used to preserve mobility, then spinal segment mobility is maintained, but inter-facet space reduction and instability are not adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor device is designed to maintain dynamic stability by preserving the natural motion characteristics of the spinal segment while preventing facet joint collapse. The interconnected structure allows controlled movement while maintaining distraction, enabling the device to adapt to physiological loading conditions while stabilizing the inter-facet space.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertebral facet distractor intended to be positioned between first and second articular facets in an articular facet joint to provide distraction between the first and second articular facets includes an elongated generally cylindrical contour including opposed top and bottom surfaces, an outer sidewall, an inner sidewall, and a central lumen that defines an opening in the bottom surface. The outer sidewall is provided with a surface irregularity to promote bone fusion when the vertebral facet distractor is positioned between the first and second articular facets in the articular facet joint.