3D-Printed Intervertebral Disk with Morphology-Matched Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial disk replacement and fusion devices face challenges such as potential damage to nearby tissues during milling and shaping, poor connection between implant and bone due to surface morphology mismatch, and loosening of the prosthesis, leading to subsidence and non-uniform ingrowth of bony material, affecting long-term stability.
Innovation Solution
The use of 3D-printed implant devices that match the surface morphology of the vertebrae endplates and artificial disk, fabricated through three-dimensional additive manufacturing, eliminating the need for milling and shaping, and ensuring a precise fit and improved bone integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal implants are used with milling and shaping procedures, then the implant can be securely fixed in place, but nearby disks, nerves, blood vessels, joints and vertebral bodies may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is pre-shaped to match the patient's specific anatomy through 3D printing before surgery, eliminating the need for intraoperative milling and shaping that could damage surrounding tissues. The custom-fit design is prepared in advance based on preoperative imaging data.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional metal implants with standard surface morphology are used, then the implant can be manufactured reliably, but the connection between implant and bone may be poor due to surface morphology mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The implant surface is customized to match the specific anatomical features of the patient's bone structure, creating optimal local contact areas for bone integration. The 3D printing process enables region-specific surface morphology that varies across different parts of the implant to match the corresponding bone surfaces.
3Device complexity
If traditional implants are used, then the procedure can be performed with standard devices, but loosening of the prosthesis may occur leading to subsidence and non-uniform ingrowth of bony material
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is created as a precise digital copy of the patient's specific anatomical space, reproduced through 3D printing technology. This custom copy ensures perfect geometric matching with the patient's unique bone structure, preventing loosening and promoting uniform bone ingrowth patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial replacement disk configured to be positioned in between a superior vertebrae and an inferior vertebrae. The upper and lower surfaces match the surface morphologies of the corresponding vertebrae and may be textured to promote bone in-growth. The artificial replacement disk may comprise gripping structures to permit easy manipulation of the artificial replacement disk during surgical procedures.