Implantable Vertebral Frame for Spinal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal surgery techniques face challenges with imprecise vertebral distraction methods that increase surgical time, risk of nerve damage, and variability in outcomes, requiring temporary implants and multiple steps, which can lead to post-surgical complications and patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a distraction device, an implantable vertebral frame, and a retention member that maintains the desired vertebral alignment and spatial relationship before tissue removal, allowing for precise control and permanent fixation using biocompatible materials and locking mechanisms to secure the interbody implant in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional distraction methods using temporary distractor pins or ratcheting spreaders are used, then vertebral distraction can be achieved, but surgical time is increased and the risk of nerve damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertebral alignment and distraction are established preliminarily using the implantable vertebral frame with alignment guides before tissue removal begins. This preliminary action allows precise vertebral positioning to be achieved once, at the start of surgery, eliminating the need for repeated adjustments and temporary distraction devices throughout the procedure, thereby reducing surgical time while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for temporary distraction devices (distractor pins and ratcheting spreaders) from the surgical procedure. By using the implantable vertebral frame with integrated alignment guides, the function of temporary distraction is permanently replaced, removing the sources of nerve damage risk and surgical time consumption associated with these temporary devices
2Measurement precision
If current distraction methods are used to adjust vertebral alignment, then some alignment correction can be achieved, but precision and consistency of alignment are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the imprecise mechanical adjustment methods (manual distraction with distractor pins or ratcheting spreaders) with a precision-engineered implantable vertebral frame that incorporates alignment guides. These guides provide predetermined, precise alignment paths that ensure consistent and accurate vertebral positioning, eliminating the subjectivity and variability inherent in manual mechanical adjustment methods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the alignment parameter control from manual, surgeon-dependent adjustment to a predetermined, geometry-based system. The alignment guides are designed with specific geometric parameters that define the exact desired vertebral alignment, transforming the alignment process from an imprecise mechanical operation to a precise, repeatable positioning operation based on pre-planned parameters
3Stability of the object's composition
If temporary distraction devices are left in place during decompression and fusion, then vertebral alignment is maintained, but the surgeon must work around obtrusive devices increasing procedure complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of temporary distraction device and permanent fixation device into a single implantable vertebral frame. This unified device simultaneously provides vertebral alignment, distraction maintenance, and permanent fixation capabilities, eliminating the need for separate temporary devices and reducing procedural complexity by allowing the surgeon to work directly with the permanent implant rather than maneuvering around temporary obtrusive devices
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable vertebral frame serves multiple functions: it acts as a distraction device to maintain vertebral spacing, as an alignment guide to ensure proper positioning, and as a permanent fixation device to secure the alignment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate devices and simplifies the surgical procedure, as the single device performs all necessary functions throughout the operation and into the postoperative period
4Shape
If excessive distraction is applied to restore lordotic curvature, then angular alignment may be improved, but nerve damage or post-surgical pain can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guides in the implantable vertebral frame provide built-in feedback mechanisms through their geometric design. The guides are configured with specific angles and dimensions that correspond to the desired lordotic curvature, providing visual and physical feedback to the surgeon during implantation. This feedback ensures that the distraction and angular correction remain within safe, predetermined parameters, preventing excessive distraction that could cause nerve damage or post-surgical pain
Data Source
AI summary
A system for performing surgical repair of the spine includes a distractor and a permanently implanted bone plate system. A surgical repair methodology is also disclosed that employs an implanted bone plate system with a substantially void internal volume which is attached to adjacent vertebrae subsequent to the distraction and/or adjustment of curvature of the vertebrae and prior to the excision of disc and/or end plate tissue through the bone plate. The device further facilitates the subsequent delivery of an interbody repair device for the purpose of either fusion or dynamic stabilization, such as by disc arthroplasty. The plate may be permanently implanted, such as when a fusion between the attached vertebral bodies is desired, but it need not be permanently implanted.