Artificial Disc Removable Fixation for Biological Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing artificial disc implants face challenges with delayed or failed biological fixation between the upper and lower joints and adjacent vertebral sub-endplate bones due to relative movement before sclerotin integration, leading to displacement or dislocation issues.
Innovation Solution
A temporary fixed connection mechanism is introduced to restrict relative movements between the upper and lower joints, using a removable structure such as a ring-shaped member with inflatable or friction-based mechanisms to stabilize the joint until biological fixation is achieved, allowing for later removal to restore movement functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable artificial disc with ball-socket structure is used to replace natural disc, then the range of joint motion is restored and degeneration of zygapophyseal joint is prevented, but relative movement between upper and lower joints causes delayed or failed biological fixation with adjacent vertebral sub-endplate bones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing a temporary fixed connection structure between the upper and lower joints before biological fixation occurs. This temporary structure pre-establishes stability during the critical early period when sclerotin has not yet grown into the combination surface, preventing relative movements that would cause displacement or dislocation. After biological fixation is achieved, the temporary structure is removed to restore full movement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a time-dependent structural configuration that transitions from fixed to movable. Initially, the temporary fixed connection structure constrains relative movement between joints to ensure stable biological fixation. Once fixation is established, the temporary structure is removed, allowing the ball-socket structure to regain its full range of motion. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between needing stability for fixation and mobility for function.
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical fixation is performed to embed spike of artificial disc into vertebrae, then initial positioning is achieved, but without temporary stabilization, relative movement delays or prevents sclerotin growth into combination surface
Solution Approach 1:
The temporary fixed connection structure is installed as a preliminary measure immediately after mechanical fixation, before biological fixation begins. This preliminary stabilization prevents harmful relative movements during the critical early period, creating optimal conditions for sclerotin growth without requiring complex surface processing or extended waiting periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary fixed connection structure acts as an intermediary element between the mechanically fixed joints and the eventual biological fixation. It provides the necessary stability during the transition period when neither mechanical fixation alone nor biological fixation is sufficient, bridging the gap and enabling successful long-term integration without delaying the process.
3Reliability
If temporary fixed connection structure is added to restrict relative movements, then stability during initial integration is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial disc is segmented into functional components: the permanent ball-socket structure for movement, the temporary fixed connection structure for stabilization, and the removal mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the temporary structure being simple and dedicated solely to providing stability during the fixation period without complicating the overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary fixed connection structure is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after serving its purpose. It provides necessary stability during biological fixation, then is removed to recover the full movement function of the ball-socket structure. This approach adds minimal permanent complexity while achieving the reliability benefit during the critical initial period.
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 approach enhances the stability of the artificial disc during the initial integration phase, facilitating better sclerotin growth and biological fixation, while ensuring the artificial disc can regain its movement function once fixation is established.
Implementation Method 1
a friction force between the ring-shaped member and the upper joint and a friction force between the ring-shaped member and the lower joint restrict said movement
Implementation Method 2
the ring-shaped member has an inflatable structure, when the ring-shaped member is filled with gas or liquid, the ball-socket structure is disposed inside the ring-shaped member
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial disc includes an upper joint (3) and a lower joint (7) which fit each other in a corresponding upper and lower relationship, and a removable fixed connection structure for fixedly connecting the upper joint (3) and the lower joint (7).