Articulating Spinal Cage With Jackscrew Expansion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fusion cages for spinal disc replacement require multiple incisions and do not provide adequate support to adjacent vertebrae, leading to inefficiencies in surgical procedures and patient recovery.
Innovation Solution
An articulating support cage with a jackscrew mechanism that allows for expansion from a collapsed to a deployed state, providing improved support to adjacent vertebrae and enabling minimally invasive implantation through a single small incision, featuring pivotally connected support members and end caps with a threaded sleeve for rotational deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fusion cages are used for spinal disc replacement, then adequate support to adjacent vertebrae is provided, but multiple incisions are required for implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion cage is designed with dynamic expandability, transitioning from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration. The cage includes collapsible support members that can be compressed for minimally invasive insertion through a single incision, then expanded within the vertebral space to provide adequate support. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by enabling simple single-incision implantation while maintaining the structural complexity needed for vertebral support.
Solution Approach 2:
The fusion cage employs a nested structure where collapsible support members are positioned within end caps, and the entire assembly can be compressed into a compact form for delivery. The support members nest within the cage structure, allowing the device to be inserted through a small incision and then deployed to its full functional size, thereby simplifying the implantation procedure while preserving support capabilities.
2Strength
If traditional fusion cages are used for spinal disc replacement, then structural support is provided, but multiple incisions and complex implantation procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cage transitions dynamically from a collapsed state during insertion to an expanded state for support, reducing surgical time by eliminating the need for complex multi-incision procedures while maintaining structural integrity for vertebral support.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage is pre-configured in a collapsed delivery state that facilitates rapid single-incision insertion. Once positioned, the cage is deployed to its expanded functional state, providing immediate structural support. This preliminary preparation reduces surgical time by eliminating complex implantation steps.
3Ease of operation
If the cage is designed to expand from collapsed to deployed condition, then minimally invasive single-incision implantation is enabled, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is segmented into collapsible support members that can be independently compressed and expanded. Each support member is divided into sections that can telescope or fold relative to one another, enabling the overall structure to be compacted for insertion and then expanded for support, thereby simplifying implantation while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage incorporates dynamic expansion mechanisms including telescoping support members, hinged connections, and threaded fasteners that enable controlled transformation from collapsed to deployed states. These dynamic elements allow the complex mechanism to be activated through simple rotational or linear motions during surgery, improving ease of operation despite the inherent mechanical complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the support members are pivotally connected to end caps, then controlled expansion is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between support members and end caps is segmented into discrete pivot points and articulation joints. Each connection point is a独立的 hinge or pivot mechanism that allows controlled rotation and expansion. This segmentation enables precise control over the expansion process while keeping each individual connection mechanism relatively simple and modular.
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 articulating support cage effectively expands to provide enhanced support to vertebrae, facilitating minimally invasive implantation and promoting bone fusion, thus improving surgical efficiency and patient recovery by allowing for single-incision deployment and stable vertebral support.
Implementation Method 1
The jackscrew has a threaded section extending from the first end cap. A second end cap has a threaded sleeve and a pair of hinge elements. The threaded sleeve is configured to engage the threaded section of the jackscrew such that rotation of the jackscrew causes the first end cap to move toward the second end cap to a deployed condition.
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating fusible support cage comprises a first support member having a first and second end and a second support member having a first and second end. A first end cap is pivotally connected to the first and second support members at the first ends. The first end cap supports a jackscrew for rotation. A second end cap is pivotally connected to the first and second support members at the second ends opposite the first ends. The second end cap has a threaded sleeve configured to engage a portion of the jackscrew. Rotation of the jackscrew into the threaded sleeve causes the first and second support members to extend outwardly from a collapsed condition to a deployed condition.