Segmented Vertebral Stabilization Cord with Variable Filament Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization systems fail to effectively alleviate pain, provide dynamic stability, and restore range of motion in the spinal column, particularly in cases of diseased, degenerated, or damaged facet joints, ligaments, and intervertebral discs.
Innovation Solution
A vertebral stabilization system comprising first, second, and third vertebral anchors secured to vertebrae, with a cord extending between them, featuring different sets of intermingled filaments for varying stiffness and tension characteristics, allowing for customized tensioning to accommodate specific spinal segment pathologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a uniform cord is used throughout the spinal stabilization system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide customized tensioning for different spinal segment pathologies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cord is divided into multiple distinct segments, each with different filament compositions and mechanical properties. This segmentation allows each portion of the cord to be optimized for specific tensioning requirements at different spinal levels, enabling customized treatment for various pathologies without requiring entirely separate cords for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the cord are constructed with locally optimized filament properties (material composition, diameter, stiffness) tailored to the specific mechanical demands of each spinal segment being treated. This local quality variation allows the single cord to provide differentiated tensioning characteristics along its length, addressing diverse pathological conditions at different vertebral levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple subsets of filaments with different properties are used in the cord, then the tensioning characteristics can be customized for different spinal segments, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct phases where different filament subsets are introduced at different stages. This allows each filament subset to be independently prepared and then integrated into the cord structure in a controlled manner, simplifying the overall manufacturing complexity compared to creating a fully heterogeneous cord in a single process.
Solution Approach 2:
Different filament subsets are prepared and pre-organized before being integrated into the final cord structure. This preliminary action allows each filament type to be optimally configured for its intended function before assembly, reducing the complexity of the final integration process and enabling more precise control over the mechanical properties of each cord segment.
3Ease of operation
If the cord allows for a range of motion, then dynamic stability is provided, but the ability to limit excessive motion may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cord's mechanical parameters (stiffness, elasticity, damping characteristics) are varied along its length through different filament compositions. This parameter variation allows the cord to provide different levels of motion restriction at different spinal levels - more compliant segments allow physiological range of motion while stiffer segments provide greater motion control, achieving both goals simultaneously through spatially varying properties.
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 system provides dynamic stabilization, limits excessive motion, and allows for a range of motion by interacting under compression, shear, and tensile loading, effectively addressing pain and instability issues in the spinal column.
Implementation Method 1
A first length of the cord includes a first set of intermingled filaments, and a second length of the cord includes a second set of intermingled filaments... the first subset of filaments and a third subset of filaments different from the second subset of filaments
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A spinal stabilization system (10) including a cord (30) extendable between first (12a), second (12b) and third (12c) vertebral anchors. A first length (LI) of the cord includes a first set of intermingled filaments (33), and a second length (L2) of the cord includes a second set of intermingled filaments (33). The first set of intermingled filaments includes a first subset of filaments (33a) and a second subset of filaments (33b), and the second set of intermingled filaments includes the first subset of filaments (33a) of the first set of intermingled filaments and a third subset of filaments (33c) different from the second subset of filaments of the first set of intermingled filaments. When secured to the first, second and third vertebral anchors, a first portion of the cord may be tensioned a first amount and a second portion of the cord may be tensioned a second amount different from the first amount.