Multi-functional spinal implant with adjustable length and curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implants for maintaining proper anatomic spacing between vertebral bodies are limited by their fixed length and inability to adjust curvature, requiring multiple instruments and potentially increasing patient morbidity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional surgical instrument with a holder member, housing member, implant holding mechanism, length control mechanism, and locking mechanism that allows for the insertion, adjustment, and securement of a variable-length vertebral body replacement device between two bones, minimizing the size of the surgical incision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed-length spinal implants are used, then the implantation procedure is simple, but the ability to adjust implant length and curvature is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed with a telescopic structure featuring inner and outer bodies that can move relative to each other, allowing dynamic adjustment of length and curvature after implantation. The compression element can be compressed to reduce length and the inner body can rotate to change curvature, transforming a static implant into a dynamic one that adapts to anatomical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is divided into multiple functional segments: an inner body, an outer body, and a compression element. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of length (via compression element compression) and curvature (via inner body rotation), providing versatility while maintaining a single implant device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple insertion instruments are used to adjust implant length and curvature, then the implant can be customized, but the device complexity and patient morbidity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment functions (length adjustment via compression and curvature adjustment via rotation) are merged into a single implant device with integrated adjustment mechanisms. The inner body can perform both translational movement for length adjustment and rotational movement for curvature adjustment, eliminating the need for multiple separate insertion instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner body serves multiple functions: it can translate along the outer body for length adjustment, rotate within the outer body for curvature adjustment, and maintain structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the number of required instruments and simplifies the overall implantation procedure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple insertion instruments are used, then the implant can be adjusted, but the surgical incision size and patient morbidity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment capabilities (length and curvature) are combined into a single implant that can be inserted through one incision. The integrated design with inner and outer bodies allows both adjustments to be performed through the same surgical access point, minimizing incision size and reducing patient trauma.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a single instrument is used for implant insertion and adjustment, then patient morbidity is reduced, but the instrument complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms within a single device: the compression element allows length adjustment through compression, and the inner body allows curvature adjustment through rotation. This dynamic design enables multiple functions in one instrument, reducing patient morbidity while maintaining necessary complexity only where needed for adjustment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single instrument is segmented into functional components (inner body, outer body, compression element) that work together to provide multiple adjustment capabilities. This segmentation allows complex functions to be distributed across manageable components within the unified instrument structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The surgical instrument includes a handle and a housing member that has a first end that is fixed to the handle and a second end that is configured to receive an engagement member. The surgical instrument also has an implant holding mechanism that is operatively associated with the housing member and the handle. The surgical instrument further includes a length control mechanism that has a knob, a rod member and a toothed member. The toothed member is fixed to one end of the rod member and the knob is attached to the other end. The surgical instrument also has a locking mechanism that includes a knob and a rod member having a proximal end to which the knob is attached and a distal end that is configured to detachably couple to a locking device. A surgical method for using the surgical instrument and a bone spacing kit is also disclosed.