Arthroplasty Seating Instrument Pivoting Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of instrumentation available to assist surgeons in the intraoperative positioning of spine arthroplasty devices to prevent implant migration in spine arthroplasty procedures, which is a relatively new method for treating degenerative disc disease and low back pain.
Innovation Solution
A seating instrument is designed to press the fixation features of intervertebral motion disc implants into the vertebral endplates, using longitudinal members with flanges that pivot to apply forces in superior and inferior directions, enhancing the resistance of the implant to movement and ensuring proper seating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spine arthroplasty devices are inserted into the disc space using fixation teeth or keels, then the implant can be initially positioned in the vertebral endplates, but the implant remains susceptible to migration without additional instrumentation for final seating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized seating instrument as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the implant. This instrument includes compression members with engagement features that interface with the implant's fixation elements, allowing the surgeon to apply controlled forces for final seating without direct manual manipulation, thereby resolving the lack of appropriate instrumentation
Solution Approach 2:
The seating instrument is divided into distinct functional segments: compression members for engaging the implant, transmission members for force application, and pivot members for mechanical advantage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity
2Reliability
If the implant is firmly pressed into the vertebral endplates to prevent migration, then implant stability is improved, but the risk of improper seating or excessive force application increases without guidance instrumentation
Solution Approach 1:
The seating instrument incorporates pivot members that allow dynamic adjustment of the compression members' orientation and position. This enables the instrument to adapt to slight variations in implant positioning while maintaining effective force application, making the operation easier and more forgiving
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument's design provides tactile feedback to the surgeon through the transmission members, allowing detection of proper seating through resistance changes. When the implant is correctly seated into the vertebral endplates, the resistance felt by the surgeon indicates successful engagement, providing real-time feedback without requiring additional imaging
3Strength
If fixation features are pressed into the bony endplates to enhance resistance to movement, then implant stability is improved, but the complexity of the seating process increases without proper instrumentation
Solution Approach 1:
The seating instrument is designed to concentrate forces precisely at the fixation features (teeth or keels) before final seating occurs. By pre-positioning the compression members to engage these features, the instrument ensures that the strengthening action is applied exactly where needed, reducing the need for complex multi-step procedures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The instrument effectively reduces the potential for implant migration by securely seating the prosthetic endplates into the bony anatomy, providing a stable interface between the vertebrae and enhancing the resistance to movement, thus ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of the spine arthroplasty device.
Implementation Method 1
an endplate seating instrument comprising: a first longitudinal member having a distal end portion having an outer surface, an intermediate portion, and a proximal handle portion... wherein the first and second longitudinal members are pivotally attached at a first pivot junction... wherein the outer surface of the distal end portion of the first longitudinal member contacts the inner surface of the first prosthetic endplate
Implementation Method 2
the first and second longitudinal members are pivotally attached at a first pivot junction between the proximal handle and intermediate portions of each longitudinal member
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument for finally seating an endplate of an intervetebral motion disc.