Artificial Disc Endplate Placement and Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current artificial disc replacement (ADR) systems impede normal spinal movement, can become displaced, and cause MRI artifacts due to metallic endplates, and are difficult to accurately position during implantation.

Innovation Solution

A method of implanting an artificial disc replacement device that includes inserting endplates into the disc space, using a distraction tool to seat the endplates against the vertebrae, and performing an x-ray to evaluate placement, allowing for repositioning of the endplates as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metallic endplates are used in current ADR systems, then the endplates can withstand high contact forces during flexion and extension, but they create unwanted visual artifacts during MRI imaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveendplate strengthVSAvoidMRI artifacts

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the endplates from metallic to non-metallic materials. This material substitution eliminates MRI artifacts while maintaining the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity required for spinal disc replacement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If current ADR devices are tapped in with a mallet, then the implant can be secured in place, but exceptional precision is required and the vertebral endplates are left with significant gouges that make reinsertion difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant securityVSAvoidimplant placement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a preliminary seating action before final tapping. The implant is first partially inserted and positioned, then gradually tapped into place. This preliminary positioning reduces the risk of improper placement and minimizes damage to the vertebral endplates, allowing for potential repositioning if needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If current ADR devices cannot be test fit prior to permanent implantation, then the implantation process is simpler, but the devices may be misaligned or poorly positioned leading to various problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplantation simplicityVSAvoidimplant placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables test fitting of the ADR device before permanent implantation. The implant can be temporarily positioned and evaluated for proper alignment and fit, allowing corrections to be made before final securing. This preliminary test fit ensures accurate placement and prevents complications from misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If ADR devices are inserted too far, then the implant is securely positioned, but it can impinge upon the spinal cord

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant stabilityVSAvoidspinal cord impingement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a gradual insertion method with preliminary positioning checks. The implant is inserted incrementally with periodic assessments of depth and position, allowing the surgeon to stop before spinal cord impingement occurs while still achieving secure positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms during the implantation process, such as visual confirmation and depth measurement, to provide real-time information about implant position. This feedback allows the surgeon to adjust insertion depth to avoid spinal cord impingement while ensuring adequate stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This method enables accurate and adjustable placement of ADR devices, reducing the risk of displacement and MRI artifacts, while maintaining natural spinal motion.

Implementation Method 1

using a distraction tool to distract the first endplate and the second endplate in order to seat the first endplate against the first vertebrae and to seat the second endplate against the second vertebrae

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

performing an x-ray to evaluate the placement of the first endplate and the second endplate within the disc space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-Ray: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS12303406B2Method of implanting an artificial disc replacement device

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 TRM IP MANAGEMENT LLC

AI summary

A method of implanting an artificial disc replacement device into a disc space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra including inserting a first endplate and a second endplate of the artificial disc replacement device into the disc space; using a distraction tool to distract the first endplate and the second endplate in order to seat the first endplate against the first vertebrae and to seat the second endplate against the second vertebrae; using the distraction tool to unseat the first endplate from the first vertebra; repositioning the first endplate within the disc space; and subsequently, inserting a core assembly of the artificial disc replacement device between the first endplate and the second endplate.