BDFT Screw-Cage Fixation for Spinal Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spinal fusion techniques, such as pedicle screw placement and anterior plating, are associated with complications like tissue dissection, nerve and vascular injury, blood loss, and prolonged recovery, due to their invasive nature and potential for misplacement.

Innovation Solution

The development of a bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus that functions as both an intervertebral spacer filled with bone fusion material and a bi-directional transvertebral bone fixating/fusion screw apparatus, allowing for stand-alone intervertebral devices that reduce the need for pedicle screw fixation and anterior or lateral spinal plating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If pedicle screw placement is used for spinal fusion, then strong fixation is achieved, but tissue dissection, nerve and vascular injury, and blood loss occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidtissue damage and nerve injury

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the intervertebral spacer function and screw fixation function into a single integrated BDFT screw/cage construct. The cage portion provides spacer functionality while the transvertebral screws provide fixation, eliminating the need for separate pedicle screw placement and reducing tissue damage associated with conventional techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The BDFT screw/cage construct serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an intervertebral spacer, provides bone fusion material containment, and delivers bi-directional transvertebral fixation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate implants needed and minimizes surgical trauma.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If anterior plating is used for spinal fusion, then stability is improved, but muscle retraction and blood loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidblood loss and muscle retraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the stabilization function previously provided by anterior plates with the transvertebral screw fixation mechanism. The BDFT construct achieves spinal stability through its screw fixation system without requiring separate plating, thereby reducing muscle retraction and blood loss associated with plate installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional spinal fusion techniques are used, then fusion is achieved, but operative time and recovery period are prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefusion reliabilityVSAvoidoperative time and recovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By combining spacer and fixation functions into a single implantable construct, the patent reduces the number of surgical steps required. The BDFT screw/cage can be implanted as a single unit, eliminating the need for separate cage placement and screw fixation steps, thereby reducing operative time while maintaining fusion reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If stand-alone intervertebral devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but screw pull-out risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidscrew fixation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates screw retention mechanisms directly into the cage structure of the BDFT construct. The cage includes internal features such as threaded holes or locking mechanisms that prevent screw pull-out, maintaining fixation reliability while keeping the device as a single integrated component rather than separate parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12232973B2Intervertebral internal screw guide and fixation apparatus including screw lock

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 MOSKOWITZ FAMILY LLC

AI summary

A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus including an intervertebral cage for maintaining disc height, and a method of inserting the same is provided. The intervertebral cage includes a first internal screw guide and a second internal screw guide, a first screw member and a second screw member, and a central screw locking lever coupled to the intervertebral cage, wherein the central screw locking lever prevents the first screw member and the second screw from pulling-out of the first internal screw guide and the second internal screw guide. The central screw locking lever includes a rotatable handle and stem portion, or a screw locking horizontal bracket. A pliers device for inserting and removing the bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus, a posterior cervical and lumbar facet joint staple, and a staple gun for a posterior cervical and lumbar facet joint staple also are provided.