U-Shaped Vertebral Stabilization System With Bone Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interspinous stabilization devices lack a secure and rigid attachment mechanism to the spinous processes, leading to potential migration and inadequate stability, especially in interlaminar applications, which can result in insufficient fusion and chronic pain due to vertebral misalignment and micromotion.
Innovation Solution
An interlaminar-interspinous vertebral stabilization system featuring a U-shaped device with adjustable lateral walls and a bone fastener system, including a threaded bolt and nut, for secure fixation to the spinous processes, along with insertion and tightening tools, to ensure stable attachment and promote fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If sharp barbs or surface projections are used to engage the spinous process, then the device can be attached to the bone, but the attachment is not rigid enough and the device may migrate or slip out of position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical engagement system (sharp barbs or surface projections) with a bone fastening system using screws or bolts that pass through the lateral walls and engage the spinous process. This substitution provides rigid, reliable fixation that prevents device migration while maintaining the ability to secure the implant firmly to the bone.
2Ease of operation
If flexible ligaments or sutures are used to secure the device, then the device can be attached to the spinous process, but the attachment lacks rigidity to limit movement and promote fusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces flexible soft tissue attachments (ligaments or sutures) with rigid bone fastening elements (screws or bolts) that pass through the lateral walls. This provides the necessary fixation rigidity to limit vertebral movement and promote fusion, while the lateral walls themselves maintain ease of attachment by providing a structured interface with the spinous process.
3Reliability
If a rigid attachment mechanism is used to prevent device migration, then position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attachment function into separate components: lateral walls that interface with the spinous process and bone fasteners (screws or bolts) that provide rigid fixation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the lateral walls provide the attachment interface while the bone fasteners provide the rigid fixation, resulting in a reliable position stability without excessive overall complexity.
4Reliability
If the device is designed to fit interlaminarly between adjacent vertebrae, then spinal stability is enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the interspinous stabilization function with the interlaminar positioning function into a single device structure. The U-shaped body with lateral walls can be positioned interlaminarly between adjacent vertebrae while the same lateral walls provide attachment points for bone fasteners to secure the device to the spinous processes. This merging provides enhanced spinal stability without requiring separate devices for each function.
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 a secure and stable attachment to the spinous processes, limiting vertebral movement and promoting fusion, thereby addressing the issues of device migration and enhancing spinal stability and pain management.
Implementation Method 1
a bone fastener comprising a threaded bolt and a threaded nut for securing the implantable device to the spinous process
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
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AI summary
An implantable interlaminar-interspinous stabilization system is provided. The system may comprise a U-shaped implantable device having an inferior section, a superior section, a midsection extending therebetween, and pair of lateral walls for engaging a spinous process of a vertebra, each of the lateral walls including an aperture with a countersink for receiving a bone fastener. The system may also include a bone fastener comprising a threaded bolt and a threaded nut for securing the implantable device to the spinous processes. Insertion tools may be provided for aligning the threaded bolt and nut through the apertures of the implantable device.