Biplanar Angulation Fusion Cage for Straight Diagonal Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion cages face challenges in achieving proper fitment between vertebrae due to the lordotic angle of the disk space, particularly when inserted diagonally, requiring rotational placement that can be difficult and result in poor fixation and potential loosening.
Innovation Solution
A biplanar angulation fusion cage design that allows straight insertion into the disk space at a diagonal angle relative to the anterior-posterior axis, minimizing the need for rotational placement and ensuring flush contact with vertebrae surfaces through serrated surfaces and lateral slots for tool insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard lordotic cage is inserted diagonally into the disk space, then the insertion trajectory can be simplified, but the cage will not have flush contact with the adjacent vertebrae due to the lordotic angle of the disk space
Solution Approach 1:
The cage design incorporates asymmetric biplanar angulation with different angles in two different planes (first plane angle and second plane angle), allowing the cage to conform to the lordotic curvature of the disk space when inserted diagonally, thereby achieving both simplified insertion trajectory and proper flush contact with vertebrae
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces angulation in two different planes rather than a single plane, adding a dimensional aspect to the cage geometry that enables it to accommodate the three-dimensional lordotic angle of the disk space during diagonal insertion
2Ease of operation
If a banana-shaped cage is used for posterolateral approach, then the cage can be inserted at a 45 degree lateral angle, but rotation is required during placement which is difficult and occurs blindly inside the disk space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the rotation step from the placement procedure by designing the cage with pre-configured biplanar angulation that achieves proper orientation through straight diagonal insertion alone, eliminating the need for blind rotation inside the disk space
Solution Approach 2:
The cage is pre-configured with biplanar angulation before insertion, so that the proper orientation and flush contact with vertebrae are achieved automatically during straight diagonal insertion, without requiring subsequent rotation or adjustment steps
3Reliability
If cage rotation is required for proper placement, then the cage can be seated in the disk space, but incomplete rotation frequently occurs resulting in poor cage fitment and potential loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The cage design enables self-alignment and self-orientation through its biplanar angulation geometry, which automatically ensures proper flush contact with the vertebrae during diagonal insertion without requiring rotational manipulation that could be incomplete
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic implant, and more particularly, with a prosthetic implant having biplanar angulation and that can be inserted into a disk area generally straight using a posterolateral approach.