Modular Spinal Construct Extension for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857223_0004_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Modular Spinal Construct Extension for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857223_0004_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857223_0004_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,223.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A modular spinal construct extension system adaptable to high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, remote, or high-altitude environments, ensuring reliable fixation and fusion in unique operational settings.

Background and Problem Solved

The original modular apparatus for extending an existing spinal construct, as described in the original patent, is limited in its applicability to various specialized environments. This new inventive concept addresses the need for adaptable spinal fixation solutions that cater to specific operational requirements, such as enhanced security, rapid deployment, or extreme weather resistance.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a modular apparatus with specialized features tailored to specific environments. For high-security environments, the apparatus incorporates enhanced tamper-evident features and a locking element with a unique identifier for tracking and verification purposes. In disaster relief scenarios, the apparatus is designed with a simplified attachment mechanism and a reduced number of components to facilitate rapid assembly and implantation. For extreme weather conditions, the apparatus is constructed from corrosion-resistant materials and features a self-lubricating mechanism to minimize friction and wear. In remote or austere environments, the apparatus is designed to be compact and lightweight, with a minimal number of tools required for assembly and implantation. In high-altitude environments, the apparatus features a pressure-resistant design and a specialized locking element to maintain stability and fixation.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel adaptations of the original modular apparatus to address specific operational environments, providing a non-obvious and innovative solution to the limitations of the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include additional specialized features, such as radiation-resistant materials for use in nuclear or radiological environments, or advanced sensors for real-time monitoring of the spinal construct in extreme conditions. Variations of the apparatus may also be designed for use in specific medical procedures, such as minimally invasive surgeries or robotic-assisted operations.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of spinal fixation and fusion. Target markets may include hospitals, medical research institutions, and specialized healthcare providers operating in high-security, disaster relief, or extreme weather environments.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/7052
A A61 A61B2017/00477

Field of Art

Orthopedic surgical devices, specifically spinal construct modification and extension technologies, requiring advanced mechanical engineering, biomaterials knowledge, and surgical intervention design skills

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with expertise in mechanical design, materials science, and understanding of surgical procedural constraints, typically holding an advanced degree with 5-10 years of specialized medical device development experience

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's modular spinal construct extension provides a fundamental framework that can be readily adapted to specialized environmental conditions using standard engineering design principles. The PTD's variations represent predictable modifications that address known operational challenges in medical device deployment across different contexts. These adaptations would be considered routine problem-solving within the technical domain of surgical device engineering.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Modular rod extender with central bore and attachment features
PTD Variation
Adding environment-specific material modifications like corrosion resistance for extreme conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection is a standard design optimization technique, and adapting material properties for specific environmental challenges would be an obvious engineering solution with predictable results
Source Patent Element
Retention insert with threading and locking mechanisms
PTD Variation
Incorporating unique identifier and tamper-evident features for high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding tracking and security elements to medical devices is a known technique for improving device management and patient safety, representing a straightforward design enhancement
Source Patent Element
Modular spinal construct extension apparatus
PTD Variation
Simplifying attachment mechanisms for rapid deployment in disaster relief scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Reducing component complexity and facilitating faster assembly is a standard engineering approach to improving device usability across different operational contexts
Source Patent Element
Rod extension mechanism with standardized connection points
PTD Variation
Developing pressure-resistant design for high-altitude medical interventions
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting medical devices to environmental pressure variations is a predictable engineering challenge with well-established design methodologies
Source Patent Element
Modular spinal construct extension system
PTD Variation
Creating compact, lightweight design for remote or austere environment deployment
Obviousness Reasoning
Miniaturization and weight reduction are standard engineering optimization strategies, particularly for medical devices intended for challenging deployment scenarios
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857223, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the variations disclosed in this publication to represent obvious extensions of the existing spinal construct modification technology. The proposed environmental adaptations constitute routine engineering design choices that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner, thereby rendering potential derivative claims obvious and anticipating future patent attempts to claim such straightforward technological modifications.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,223
TitleModular apparatus for extending an existing spinal construct
Assignee(s)SPINE WAVE, INC.