Bilateral Spinal Prosthesis with Telescoping Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for damaged intervertebral discs often result in loss of motion between vertebrae due to fusion procedures, and existing implants do not effectively restore natural body motion function.
Innovation Solution
An implantable spinal prosthesis composed of two telescoping components with threading and end caps, allowing for easy and quick bilateral insertion into an annulotomy hole between vertebrae, using a wire and dilators to form a tract and couple the components together between the vertebrae.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fusion procedures are used to treat damaged intervertebral discs, then stability and pain relief are achieved, but motion between vertebrae is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into two separate halves that are implanted bilaterally into the disc space. Each half independently engages with the vertebral bodies through bone ingrowth holes, allowing the disc space to be stabilized while preserving physiological motion through telescoping action between the two halves.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis incorporates telescoping members that allow dynamic motion between the two halves. The first and second members can telescope relative to each other, enabling the prosthesis to accommodate natural disc motion while maintaining stability and preventing herniation.
2Length of stationary object
If existing implant designs are used, then disc space is maintained, but natural body motion function is not restored
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis uses telescoping members that can dynamically adjust their relative positions, allowing the device to replicate the natural motion characteristics of a healthy disc while maintaining the disc space height between vertebrae.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis allows for adjustment of the distance between the first and second members, enabling customization of the disc space height and motion characteristics to match the patient's original natural disc parameters.
3Reliability
If complex implant procedures are used, then effective treatment is achieved, but implantation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is implanted in two separate bilateral procedures rather than requiring complex unilateral insertion. Each half is independently implanted through separate access points, simplifying the overall procedure and reducing implantation time while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Bone ingrowth holes are pre-formed in the vertebral bodies before prosthesis insertion. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid and secure engagement of the prosthesis halves with the vertebrae, significantly reducing the overall implantation time while ensuring stable fixation.
4Ease of manufacture
If non-adjustable implants are used, then implantation is simpler, but post-operative adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping mechanism allows for post-operative adjustment of the prosthesis configuration. The members can be adjusted relative to each other to optimize disc space height and motion characteristics based on patient-specific needs and healing progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance and relative positioning of the first and second members can be modified after implantation, allowing clinicians to adjust key parameters such as disc space height and stiffness to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes for each patient.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal prosthesis for insertion bilaterally into an annulotomy hole created laterally in a spinal disc between two abutting vertebrae that is composed of a first elongated member having first threading at one end and an end cap at its other end, a second elongated member having an end cap with a threaded hole fixed to one end of a hollow tube open-ended at its other end. The members are telescoped together with the threading of the first member mated with the threaded hole of the second member and the open end of said hollow tube disengageably engaged with the end cap of the first member for rotation together. A method for bilaterally implanting the members of the prosthesis using a wire, and then telescopically mating them.