Vertebral Stabilization via Dual Corridor Spinal Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spinal fixation methods require multiple incisions and surgical corridors, leading to increased trauma, extended recovery times, and higher surgical risks, especially in elderly patients with compromised physiology.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating tissue corridors from skin incisions to access both anterior and posterior portions of the spinal unit, allowing for the placement of bone fasteners and orthopedic implants to stabilize and fuse vertebral bones with reduced surgical trauma through a combination of intra-abdominal and posterior approaches, utilizing bone screws and intervertebral disc space implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spinal fixation methods are used with multiple incisions and surgical corridors, then adequate fixation into the underlying bone is achieved, but surgical trauma is increased and recovery time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical approach is segmented into two separate tissue corridors: a first corridor for accessing and manipulating the anterior portion of the spinal unit, and a second corridor for accessing and manipulating the posterior portion. This segmentation allows each corridor to be optimized for its specific function while reducing the overall trauma compared to a single large incision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a three-dimensional approach by creating tissue corridors that extend through different anatomical planes - the first corridor extends through the abdominal cavity to reach anterior structures, while the second corridor extends posterior to the psoas major muscle to reach posterior structures. This multi-dimensional access allows adequate fixation with minimal incision size
2Reliability
If multiple incisions and surgical corridors are made to access both anterior and posterior spinal columns, then comprehensive spinal stabilization is achieved, but the number of surgical procedures and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the access to both anterior and posterior spinal columns into a unified surgical procedure performed through two coordinated tissue corridors. Bone fasteners are advanced through both corridors to simultaneously secure both the anterior and posterior spinal columns, achieving comprehensive stabilization in a single surgical session rather than requiring separate procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue corridors serve multiple functions: the first corridor is used for accessing the anterior portion, positioning orthopedic implants in the intervertebral disc space, and advancing bone fasteners; the second corridor is used for accessing the posterior portion and advancing additional bone fasteners. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate surgical approaches
3Reliability
If extensive surgical corridors are created to access both anterior and posterior portions, then complete spinal column fixation is achieved, but surgical complexity and risk of complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical procedure is segmented into distinct steps for each tissue corridor: the first corridor is used for anterior access and implant placement, while the second corridor is used for posterior access. This segmentation simplifies the overall procedure by allowing each corridor to be managed independently with dedicated instruments and techniques, reducing surgical complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods for the treatment of spinal instability and/or stenosis of the spinal canal and neural foramina. In one embodiment, a functional spinal unit (FSU) of a subject is approached through a lateral or antero-lateral corridor, and both an anterior and posterior column of the FSU are manipulated, implanted and/or otherwise surgically treated through the same intra-abdominal surgical corridor. A method is disclosed to reach the posterior aspect of the FSU, wherein the intra-abdominal surgical corridor is extended posterior to the psoas major muscle and through the thoraco-lumbar fascia in order to reach the transverse process and/or facet joint. Multiple trajectories for bone screw fixation of the vertebral bone are additionally disclosed. In another embodiment, the FSU is approached through the above corridor and a second posterior skin incision and corridor. The combination of the corridors provided circumferential access to the FSU.