Adjustable Spinal Implant Segmenting for Anatomical Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal implant devices fail to accommodate the distinct anatomical structures of the spine, are prone to subsidence and fracture, and require invasive surgical procedures, often compromising the annulus health, which is crucial for implant stability.
Innovation Solution
A spinal implant device with a unitary, one-piece construction featuring a pivot connection between two U-shaped members, allowing for adjustable orientation from a compact to an extended position, designed for minimally invasive insertion and stabilization between spinous processes, laminar regions, and intervertebral spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing interspinous implant devices are used, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but the devices cannot accommodate distinct anatomical structures of the spine and are prone to subsidence and fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The implant device is divided into multiple members (first member, second member, third member) that can be independently positioned and configured. Each member can be adjusted to accommodate specific anatomical structures such as spinous processes, laminar regions, or vertebral bodies, while the segmented construction allows the device to adapt to varying spinal anatomies without compromising structural reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates an adjustable connection between members that allows dynamic reconfiguration from a compact orientation to an extended orientation. This dynamic adaptability enables the implant to accommodate different anatomical structures and loading conditions while maintaining reliability through controlled adjustment mechanisms that prevent subsidence and fracture
2Ease of operation
If traditional surgical procedures are used for implant insertion, then implant placement is achieved, but the procedures are invasive and compromise annulus health
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented construction of the implant device with multiple independently positionable members allows for minimally invasive insertion through separate access points. Each member can be inserted through small incisions targeting specific anatomical structures (spinous processes, laminar regions, or vertebral bodies), avoiding the need for large incisions that would compromise the annulus
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves as an intermediary structure that can be positioned through minimally invasive approaches, with members that can be inserted through small incisions and then configured to provide stabilization without requiring direct access to or damage of the annulus region
3Adaptability or versatility
If the annulus is compromised during surgery or through degenerative disc disease, then implant placement becomes necessary, but the weakened annulus cannot adequately restrain the implant device
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented implant design with multiple members provides distributed restraint mechanisms that do not rely on a single strong attachment point. Each member can engage different anatomical structures (spinous processes, laminar regions, or vertebral bodies), creating multiple restraint points that compensate for the weakened annulus and provide adequate implant stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The device members are designed with universal engagement capabilities that can interface with multiple anatomical structures. This multi-functionality allows the implant to be restrained through engagement with healthy anatomical structures even when the annulus is compromised, providing adequate restraint without relying on annulus strength
Data Source
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AI summary
An implant device is provided that is configured for implantation at multiple locations between adjacent vertebrae. The implant device comprises an implant body, a first portion of the implant body, and a second portion of the implant body adjustably interconnected with the first portion. The implant body has a compact orientation and an extended orientation to allow the implant body to be shifted from one orientation to the other orientation for being positioned in any one of areas between the spinous processes of the adjacent vertebrae, between laminar regions of the adjacent vertebrae, spanning an opening in the annulus between the adjacent vertebrae, and in the intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae.