Adjustable Bone Fusion Device With Extendable Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bone fusion devices require invasive surgical procedures and long recovery periods due to their fixed design, which limits the precision and effectiveness of vertebrae fusion in spinal column surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A bone fusion device with extendable tabs and adjustable tab extension assemblies, allowing for arthroscopic insertion and precise positioning, along with a sizer instrument for measuring the space between vertebrae to optimize the device's fit and angle, facilitating minimally invasive procedures and enhanced bone fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional fixed design bone fusion devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the surgical invasiveness is high and recovery period is long
Solution Approach 1:
The bone fusion device incorporates extendable tabs with adjustable extension assemblies that allow the device to change its configuration dynamically. The tabs can be extended or retracted based on the specific anatomical requirements, transforming a static device into a dynamic one that adapts to different surgical needs while maintaining minimally invasive access
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into modular components including the main body, extendable tabs, and tab extension assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables flexible configuration during surgery, reducing overall surgical invasiveness while maintaining structural integrity
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional fixed design bone fusion devices are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the positioning precision between vertebrae is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable tab extension assemblies allow the device to be precisely positioned after insertion by extending or retracting the tabs to match the specific vertebral geometry. This dynamic adjustment capability achieves high positioning precision without requiring complex pre-manufacturing customization
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables parameter changes in its configuration through the extendable tabs, allowing adjustment of the device's effective length and angle to precisely match the anatomical parameters of the patient's spine, thereby achieving high positioning precision with a relatively simple manufacturing process
3Device complexity
If conventional fixed design bone fusion devices are used, then the device structure is straightforward, but the effectiveness of vertebrae fusion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable tabs with adjustment mechanisms allow the device to be optimized for each patient's specific anatomical conditions, improving the reliability of fusion by ensuring proper fit and alignment. The dynamic adjustability enables better load distribution and contact with the vertebral surfaces, enhancing fusion effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides local quality optimization by allowing different tabs to be extended to different degrees, enabling customized adaptation to the specific geometry of each vertebral interface. This localized adjustment improves the quality of bone contact and fusion at critical areas without requiring complex overall device redesign
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
Enables precise and stable bone fusion with reduced surgical invasiveness, promoting quicker recovery and stronger bone integration by allowing for accurate placement and adjustment of the device between vertebrae.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded member coupled to the rotatable handle and threadably coupled to the engaging rod such that when the handle is rotated the threaded member rotates with respect to the engaging rod thereby pulling or pushing the engaging rod with respect to the head
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fusion device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises at least one extendable tab and one or more tab extension assemblies. Each tab extension assembly is able to be adjusted in order to individually control the extension or contraction of a side of the tab thereby enabling adjustment of the height and/or angle of the tab with respect to the body of the bone fusion device. Each tab extension assembly is able to be individually adjusted such that the side controlled by each assembly is raised or lowered until the desired tab angle is achieved. The tab is advantageously positioned and angled to correspond to the vertebrae to help brace the device until the bone has fused.