Adjustable Spinal Fusion Implants for Lordosis Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion devices face challenges in maintaining the normal anatomy of the fused spine segment, particularly in accommodating the angular constraints of the intervertebral space and correcting the lordotic or kyphotic curvature caused by disc removal.
Innovation Solution
The development of an adjustable spinal fusion device with upper and lower endplates that can be adjusted in height and angle using translation members, allowing for independent adjustment of these parameters after implantation to accommodate the natural curvature of the spine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed spinal fusion cages are used, then the device has simple structure and is easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate the angular constraints of the intervertebral space and correct lordotic or kyphotic curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal fusion cage incorporates adjustable components including a wedge element that can be positioned at different angles within the cage body, allowing the device to dynamically adapt to various angular constraints and curvature correction requirements rather than being fixed at a single angle
Solution Approach 2:
The cage is divided into separate functional components including the cage body, wedge element, and locking mechanism, enabling independent adjustment of angular parameters while maintaining overall structural integrity and facilitating easier manufacturing of individual components
2Strength
If the cage size is increased to provide better structural support, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the cage cannot pass through the narrow access pathway into the intervertebral space
Solution Approach 1:
The cage incorporates expandable or adjustable structural elements that allow it to be inserted in a compact configuration through narrow pathways and then expanded or adjusted to provide adequate mechanical strength and support once positioned in the intervertebral space
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge element and other adjustable components are designed to nest within the cage body during insertion, allowing the overall device profile to be minimized for pathway passage while maintaining full functional capability after implantation
3Ease of operation
If the intervertebral disc is removed to insert the cage, then the cage can be implanted between vertebrae, but the normal lordotic or kyphotic curvature of the spine is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is designed with adjustable angular parameters through the wedge element mechanism, allowing surgeons to select and set the appropriate curvature angle to match and restore the patient's natural spinal lordosis or kyphosis after disc removal
Solution Approach 2:
The cage and wedge element are pre-configured or pre-bent to specific angular orientations before implantation, allowing the spinal curvature to be restored during the implantation procedure itself rather than requiring additional separate procedures to correct the curvature
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides adjustable spinal devices, instruments for implanting the spinal devices, methods for adjusting the height and/or lordosis angles of the spinal devices and methods for implanting such devices. An adjustable spinal fusion device includes an upper plate having an outer surface for placement against a first vertebral body and a lower plate having an outer surface for placement against a second vertebral body. The device further includes a translation member configured to move longitudinally relative to the upper and lower plates to adjust an angle between the upper and lower plates. The translation member may include an angled surface or wedge for cooperating with a ramp on the device to pivot the proximal end of the upper endplate relative to the proximal end of the lower endplate and thereby adjust a distance between the distal ends of the endplates.