External adjustment device for distraction device
Inventors
Pool, Scott • Walker, Blair • Chang, Arvin
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12746040-B2
Publication Date
2026-09-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
Devices, systems, and methods for evaluating spinal stiffness of a patient. One method may include providing a database model based on existing patient data with normalized spine stiffness data. Segmental stiffness may be measured intraoperatively, for example, using a force-sensing instrument, and compared to the database model. A surgical task, such as osteotomy or ligament release, may be performed based on guidance from the database model to adjust the spinal stiffness of the patient. Segmental stiffness may be measured after each surgical task, thereby updating the database model with each reading on segmental stiffness in real time. Each level may be addressed until targeted stiffness values, such as segmental stiffness and global stiffness, are reached based on the database model.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a method for stabilizing bone using a bone growth distraction device attached to bone and an external adjustment device. The implanted device includes a magnetic assembly with a cylindrical magnet configured to rotate on its axis in response to an externally applied magnetic field. The external device generates a changing magnetic field to rotate that magnet, and its microcontroller can prevent a field change when predetermined criteria are met.
The described external adjustment device includes a motor, a drive system, controls, and a display that provides adjustment feedback. The partial content also describes locating features and a protective storage case. The background section is not included in the provided content, so the problem being solved from that section is not explicitly described in patent.
Claims Coverage
The provided relevant claim identifies one independent claim, claim 1, directed to a method for stabilizing bone comprising three inventive features.
Bone growth distraction device attached to bone
The method attaches a bone growth distraction device to a bone by a proximal securement member and a distal securement member. The device has a magnetic assembly that includes a cylindrical magnet configured to rotate on its axis in response to an externally applied magnetic field.
Motor-driven external magnetic adjustment device
The external adjustment device includes at least one magnet configured to generate a changing magnetic field, a bidirectional control, a motor, and a drive system configured to translate rotation of the motor into rotation of the magnet.
Microcontroller control of magnetic-field changes
The microcontroller communicates with at least one of the magnet, the drive system, or the bidirectional control to cause the changing magnetic field to change. It is also configured to prevent a change of the magnetic field in response to one or more predetermined criteria being met.
The independent claim combines attachment of a magnetically adjustable bone growth distraction device with an external motor-driven magnetic adjustment device and microcontroller-based control of magnetic-field changes.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
The external adjustment device is described for adjusting implanted magnetic distraction devices used for spinal or limb-bone growth adjustment.
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