Angularly Adjustable Intervertebral Cages With Ratchets for Narrow Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion devices face challenges in navigating narrow access pathways due to limited working space and accommodating the angular relationship of vertebral bodies, leading to improper fit and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
Expandable and angularly adjustable intervertebral cages with integrated ratchet assemblies, manufactured using additive manufacturing, allowing for size and angle adjustment to fit the natural curvature of the spine, eliminating the need for external fixation elements and seams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cage is made with a larger size to restore disc height and stabilize the spine, then the structural integrity and stabilization effect are improved, but the difficulty of insertion through narrow access pathways increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be collapsed or compressed together to reduce the overall size for insertion, then expanded after placement to achieve the required structural integrity and disc height restoration
Solution Approach 2:
The cage incorporates expandable features that allow it to dynamically change size from a compressed insertion state to an expanded functional state, enabling easy insertion through narrow pathways while maintaining the capability to provide adequate structural support once positioned
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cage is designed to accommodate larger lordotic angles, then the adaptability to spinal curvature is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage incorporates adjustable angular features that allow it to be dynamically configured to match different lordotic angles during implantation, providing adaptability to various spinal curvatures without requiring multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The cage design includes features that can be adjusted to change the angular parameters of the device, allowing it to accommodate larger lordotic angles by modifying the orientation and positioning of cage components relative to each other
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional manufacturing methods are used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the presence of external fixation elements and seams reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The cage integrates multiple components including expandable mechanisms and angular adjustment features into a single unified structure manufactured as one piece, eliminating the need for external fixation elements and seams that would compromise reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process utilizes additive manufacturing technology to create complex internal geometries and integrated features that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods, enabling a seamless monolithic construction
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments provide various interbody fusion spacers, or cages, for insertion between adjacent vertebrae. The cages may have integrated ratchet assemblies that allow the cage to change size and angle as needed, with little effort. The cages may have a first, insertion configuration characterized by a reduced size to facilitate insertion through a narrow access passage and into the intervertebral space. The cages may be inserted in a first, reduced size and then expanded to a second, larger size once implanted. In their second configuration, the cages are able to maintain the proper disc height and stabilize the spine by restoring sagittal balance and alignment. Additionally, the intervertebral cages are configured to be able to adjust the angle of lordosis, and can accommodate larger lordotic angles in their second, expanded configuration. Further, these cages may promote fusion to further enhance spine stability by immobilizing the adjacent vertebral bodies.