Artificial Disc Segmentation for Posterolateral Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal surgery methods for replacing intervertebral discs face challenges in accessing the disc space due to anatomical complexities, particularly with the posterior approach, which requires navigating around spinous and articular processes, and existing solutions do not adequately restore normal disc height and movement between vertebrae.
Innovation Solution
The development of an artificial disc replacement implant with a central component and lateral components that are movable relative to each other, designed to be inserted through a posterolateral approach, allowing for restoration of disc height and movement between vertebrae, with features such as articulating surfaces and keels for secure positioning and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a posterior approach is used to access the disc space, then the surgical path avoids internal organs, but the spinous process and articular processes obstruct access to the disc space
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into a central component and lateral components that can be inserted separately through the same surgical corridor. The central component is inserted first through the posterolateral approach, followed by the lateral components which are then mated to it, effectively segmenting the implant delivery to overcome the obstructed access path
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral components are designed to mate with and attach to the central component, creating a nested assembly where smaller components are positioned relative to the central structure. This allows the complete implant to be delivered through a restricted surgical path that would not accommodate the full assembled size
2Length of moving object
If the artificial disc has sufficient height to restore normal disc height, then vertebral alignment is restored, but the implant cannot be inserted through the limited posterolateral surgical access window
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is segmented into a central component with articulating surfaces that provide the necessary height for disc restoration, and lateral components that extend the footprint. This segmentation allows the height-critical central portion to be inserted through the limited access window while the lateral extensions are added subsequently to maximize endplate contact
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from attempting to insert a single monolithic structure through the access window to a multi-stage process where the central component is inserted first, then lateral components are attached in a different dimensional sequence, effectively using temporal and spatial dimensionality to resolve the size-access contradiction
3Area of stationary object
If the artificial disc has sufficient surface area to ensure contact with peripheral cortical bone, then stability is improved, but the implant size exceeds the surgical access window dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The implant footprint is segmented into a central region provided by the central component and lateral extensions provided by separate lateral components. This allows the central component to be inserted through the access window while the lateral components are subsequently mated to it, achieving maximum endplate contact area without requiring the entire structure to pass through the surgical corridor simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The central component is inserted preliminary through the access window and positioned against the endplates, establishing the core structure first. Then the lateral components are mated to it, building upon the preliminary placement to achieve the full required surface area for cortical bone contact
Data Source
AI summary
Various exemplary instruments for introducing an implant using a posterolateral approach are also provided, as well as various exemplary methods for using such instruments. In general, the instruments are configured to interconnect to an implant and/or to a guide member such that the components are all docked relative to one another. This allows the various components of a multi-piece implant to be mated intraoperatively within the disc space, and in particular to be guided into alignment with one another.