Articulating Intervertebral Implant with Locking Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
During minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion procedures, it is challenging to properly place interbody devices due to limited direct vision and difficulty in visualizing the device during implantation, often requiring extensive skill and experience, and conventional distraction methods can interfere with the insertion of the device.
Innovation Solution
The development of an intervertebral implant with a superior and inferior exterior surface, featuring a first and second curved end wall, an elongated slot, and a locking shaft system that allows for selective coupling and uncoupling, enabling controlled articulation and insertion between adjacent vertebrae, facilitating precise placement without the need for excessive distraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional distraction tools and implements (rods, screws) are used to enlarge the disc space, then the disc space between adjacent vertebrae is increased, but these tools interfere with and block the interbody device's insertion into the disc space
Solution Approach 1:
The distraction function is segmented from the support function. The interbody device includes a separate distraction mechanism (distraction members with threads engaging vertebral bodies) that can be independently activated to enlarge the disc space, while the device body itself remains clear for device insertion. This resolves the conflict by separating the distraction tools from the support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The distraction members are nested within or integrated with the interbody device structure. The distraction mechanism is contained within the device body, allowing the device to perform both distraction and support functions without requiring external tools that would block insertion. The distraction members can be activated after device placement.
2Ease of manufacture
If minimally invasive technique is used to reduce trauma and recovery time, then patient recovery is improved, but direct vision of the disc space and visualization of the interbody device during implantation is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The interbody device includes radiopaque elements (such as radiopaque coating or radiopaque markers) that enable visualization of the device during implantation using fluoroscopic or other radiographic imaging. This allows the minimally invasive procedure to maintain both the benefit of reduced trauma and the ability to visualize the device position through non-invasive imaging.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the available space between two adjacent vertebrae is smaller than the height of the chosen interbody device, then device selection flexibility is reduced, but distracting the disc space with conventional tools creates interference with device insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The interbody device incorporates adjustable height mechanisms that allow the device height to be dynamically changed after insertion. The distraction members can be selectively activated to increase the effective height of the device within the disc space, allowing a smaller device to achieve the same distraction effect as a larger device would provide, thereby resolving the conflict between device size adaptability and insertion ease.
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral implant may include a superior exterior surface, an inferior exterior surface, a first exterior lateral surface, and a second exterior lateral surface. The first and second exterior lateral surfaces may be substantially transverse to the superior and inferior exterior surfaces. The implant may further include a first curved end wall at a first longitudinal extremity of the body. The first curved end wall may include a bore configured to receive a first shaft of a tool. Additionally, the implant may include a second curved end wall at a second longitudinal extremity of the body and an elongated slot extending from a portion of the first curved end wall to a portion of the first exterior lateral surface.