Adjustable Spinal Disc Device with Arcuate Extensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal implant devices have a high failure rate in correcting spinal deformities and degenerative changes during intervertebral fusion procedures, with inadequate mechanical stability and curvature restoration.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable, implantable spinal disc device with transverse plate members and arcuate extensions that allow angular movement and rotation, featuring a large central through-channel for bone graft placement, enhancing mechanical stability and curvature correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spinal implant devices are used for intervertebral fusion procedures, then the procedure can be performed, but the graft failure rate is high (30%-60%) and mechanical stability is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the bone graft containment into multiple segments: the central through-channel provides primary containment, while the arcuate extensions with mating contours create additional segmented barriers that prevent graft dissipation from different directions, collectively reducing graft failure rate
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate extensions are nested within the central through-channel structure, creating a multi-layered containment system where the extensions are positioned inside the overall device footprint, providing enhanced protection without significantly increasing external dimensions
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed spinal implants are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to correct spinal deformities and restore curvatures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic adjustable structure, allowing the transverse plate members to be positioned at multiple angular orientations (0-10 degrees of offset) relative to each other, enabling customization for different spinal deformity corrections
Solution Approach 2:
The device adds angular orientation as a new dimension of adjustability beyond simple vertical placement, allowing correction of spinal curvatures in both sagittal and coronal planes through the arcuate extensions' rotational capability
3Strength
If larger bone graft channels are created to improve fusion, then mechanical stability is enhanced, but the bone graft material becomes more susceptible to erosion and dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate extensions act as protective shells that enclose the bone graft material within the central through-channel, creating a protective barrier that prevents erosion from body fluids while maintaining the structural integrity needed for mechanical stability
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable angular positioning is implemented to correct deformities, then curvature restoration is improved, but device complexity and surgical procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate extensions utilize curved, arc-like geometries with mating contours that naturally guide angular positioning, allowing adjustable orientation to be achieved through simple rotational movement rather than complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
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AI summary
Representative embodiments are disclosed for a spinal disc device which is implantable between adjacent vertebral bodies. A representative spinal disc device comprises: a first transverse plate member; a first arcuate extension extending longitudinally from the first transverse plate member and having a first configuration; a second transverse plate member; and a second arcuate extension extending longitudinally from the second transverse plate member and having a second, mating configuration with the first configuration of the first arcuate extension and slideably moveable with respect to the first arcuate extension, with the first and second arcuate extensions further arranged to form a central through- channel between the first and second transverse plate members to hold bone graft material. In various embodiments, the first and second configurations of the first and second arcuate extensions are each a partially spherical, convex shell configuration providing for movement in both the sagittal and coronal planes for deformity correction.