Abrading Tool for Intervertebral Disc Space Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing intervertebral disc spaces for fusion therapies face challenges in efficiently removing cartilage and promoting bleeding from vertebral endplates without compromising the structural integrity of the endplates, particularly in the context of minimally invasive trans-sacral axial access.
Innovation Solution
The development of tool assemblies with cutter blades and abrading heads, utilizing shape memory materials and adjustable blade angles, which are designed to abrade and remove cartilage from vertebral endplates to promote controlled bleeding and facilitate bone growth, while maintaining the structural integrity of the endplates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If aggressive cartilage removal methods are used to prepare endplates for fusion, then bone growth and fusion outcomes are enhanced, but structural integrity of the endplates is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The abrading head applies localized abrasion forces to specific regions of the endplate cartilage through multiple contact points, allowing selective removal of cartilage barriers to bone growth while preserving the underlying structural bone integrity. The distributed contact points enable controlled, localized preparation without excessive force concentration that would compromise endplate strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The abrading head utilizes high-frequency vibration to mechanically disrupt and remove cartilage from the endplate surface. This vibratory action efficiently eliminates cartilage barriers to fusion while applying controlled, non-destructive forces that preserve the structural integrity of the vertebral endplate bone.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive trans-sacral axial access is used, then patient trauma and recovery time are reduced, but access and manipulation of tools within the intervertebral space becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly is segmented into distinct functional components including a shaft, abrading head with multiple contact points, and vibration mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while fitting through the constrained trans-sacral axial access pathway, facilitating minimally invasive delivery despite the complex functionality required.
Solution Approach 2:
The abrading head employs multiple contact points distributed in three-dimensional space around the intervertebral space. This spatial distribution enables effective cartilage removal from multiple angles and surfaces simultaneously, overcoming the limitations of linear access through the trans-sacral approach by utilizing volumetric working capability within the constrained access channel.
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
These tools effectively prepare the intervertebral disc spaces for fusion by efficiently removing cartilage and promoting bleeding, thereby enhancing bone growth and fusion outcomes in a minimally invasive manner.
Implementation Method 1
The abrading head includes a plurality of contact points for abrading bone
Data Source
AI summary
Tools and methods for preparing an intervertebral disc space with an emphasis on abrading the vertebral endplates to promote controlled bleeding of the vertebral endplate without compromising the structural integrity of the vertebral endplate. Mechanisms to statically or dynamically alter blade angle of the cutter blade. Cutter blades may come in a variety of configurations including cutter blades with abrading heads for preparing endplates. Abrading heads may be used on upcutters or down cutters. A cutter assembly adapted to resist unwanted changes in blade angle.