Adjustable Interbody Fusion Device for Spinal Subsidence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interbody spacers used in spinal fusion often experience subsidence, especially in patients with osteoporosis, leading to high failure rates due to the inability to effectively match the variability in vertebral endplate shape and strength, resulting in inadequate stability and increased risk of implant failure.
Innovation Solution
An interbody fusion device comprising adjustable lateral bodies connected by deformable linking elements that can expand or contract to match the vertebral endplate dimensions, providing customizable fit and increased surface area contact, thereby reducing subsidence risk and improving stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional interbody spacers are used, then the procedure is simple, but the device cannot match the variability in vertebral endplate shape and strength, leading to subsidence and implant failure
Solution Approach 1:
The interbody fusion device incorporates adjustable lateral bodies connected by deformable linking elements that can expand or contract during implantation. This dynamic structure allows the device to adapt its size and shape to match the specific dimensions and curvature of the patient's vertebral endplates, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining reliability through optimized load distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables continuous adjustment of critical dimensions including width, height, and lordotic angle through deformation of the linking elements. By changing these geometric parameters post-implantation, the device can be precisely tailored to match the variability in vertebral endplate shape and strength, reducing subsidence risk and improving long-term stability
2Ease of operation
If a fixed-size interbody spacer is used, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot provide customizable fit to patient anatomy, resulting in inadequate stability
Solution Approach 1:
The interbody fusion device is divided into separate lateral bodies connected by linking elements, allowing independent adjustment of each component. This segmentation enables customized fitting to patient anatomy through controlled deformation of individual linking elements, while the modular design actually simplifies manufacturing compared to monolithic custom implants
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable linking elements provide a mechanical mechanism for post-implantation adjustment of device dimensions and shape. This dynamic capability allows surgeons to customize the fit to patient anatomy intraoperatively without requiring complex custom-manufactured implants, balancing ease of operation with manageable device complexity
3Area of stationary object
If multiple interbody spacers are used to ensure stability, then coverage is improved, but the number of implants and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves comprehensive epiphyseal rim coverage by utilizing three-dimensional expansion capabilities, adjusting width, height, and lordotic angle simultaneously. This multi-dimensional approach allows a single implant to provide adequate coverage and stability that would otherwise require multiple devices, reducing surgical complexity while maintaining extensive contact area
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
The device reduces the risk of subsidence by maximizing epiphyseal rim coverage, allowing for precise adjustment to the patient's anatomy, minimizing the number of implants needed, and reducing surgical complications, while enhancing construct stiffness and load-bearing capacity.
Implementation Method 1
the adjustable spacing comprises deformation of at least one of the first linking element and the second linking element
Data Source
AI summary
A device is described herein comprising lateral bodies configured for contact with a vertebral endplate of a subject, wherein the lateral bodies comprise a first lateral body and a second lateral body, wherein the first lateral body and the second lateral body are connected using linking elements, wherein the linking elements comprise a first linking element and a second linking element; wherein the linking elements are configured for adjustable spacing of the lateral bodies relative to each other.