Vertebral Tethering Head for Guided Growth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The behavior of vertebrae end plates in response to guided growth is unpredictable, and existing methods for vertebral body tethering (VBT) do not adequately address questions regarding tension, segmental differences, and long-term effects on spinal discs.
Innovation Solution
A system of flexible connections using tethering heads and flexible materials like sutures or metallic wires, which provide a non-rigid connection capable of sustaining tension but not compression, allowing for various cross-sectional shapes and configurations to accommodate different vertebral connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection is used between vertebrae, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to growth and movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic connection system using flexible tethers that can adapt to vertebral growth and movement. The tethering mechanism allows for controlled flexibility, enabling the spine to grow and move while maintaining structural integrity. This resolves the contradiction by making the connection dynamic rather than static, allowing it to adjust to changing physiological conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible tether materials to create a connection that can bend and adapt to vertebral movement and growth. These flexible elements provide the necessary compliance to accommodate physiological changes while maintaining sufficient strength for structural support, thereby resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If compression forces are applied to the vertebral connection, then structural stability is improved, but the flexible tether is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into multiple components: tension-resistant tethers for maintaining spacing and compression-resistant elements (such as intervertebral spacers or cages) for withstanding compressive loads. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function, protecting the flexible tether from compression damage while maintaining overall structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary structures (such as rigid anchors or spacers) that mediate between the flexible tether and the vertebral bodies. These intermediaries absorb and distribute compressive forces, preventing direct transmission of compression to the tether while maintaining the tether's ability to provide tension and spacing control.
3Manufacturing precision
If high tension is applied to the flexible tether, then vertebral alignment is improved, but the tether may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures for the tethering system, combining materials with high tensile strength and appropriate elasticity. The tether materials are selected to provide sufficient strength to maintain vertebral alignment through tension while resisting failure under physiological loading conditions. This resolves the contradiction by using materials that simultaneously achieve alignment precision and durability.
Data Source
AI summary
Implantable devices for dynamic interconnection between bones, and especially between vertebrae. Some devices include tethering heads that are independent of the bone connecting member (fastener, plate, hook, loop). The devices provide for various types of manipulation of a flexible connection such as a tether, such as by providing an aperture through which the flexible connection is passed and guided, or a post to which a loop of the flexible connection can be attached, or a groove in which a loop of the flexible connection can be placed.