Cervical Interbody Anchor Geometry to Prevent Rotation During Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchors for interbody fusion lack features that guide them into interbodies and prevent rotation or twisting during deployment, which can compromise the stability and effectiveness of the fusion process.
Innovation Solution
The development of an anchor with a curved partial-tubular shank, tapered tip, and rails or teeth to guide and secure the anchor into interbody receptacles, ensuring proper deployment and stabilization without twisting, featuring biocompatible materials and manufacturing methods such as 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional anchors are used without guiding features, then the anchor structure is simpler, but the anchor cannot be precisely guided into the interbody and may rotate or twist during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor incorporates a curved shank portion that follows a convex curve profile, allowing the anchor to be inserted at an angle and automatically orient itself within the interbody. This curved geometry provides guiding functionality during insertion while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The curvature enables precise angular placement without requiring complex active guiding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor features an asymmetric design with a curved shank and a distinct head portion, where the curved shank creates an asymmetric profile that prevents rotation during insertion. The asymmetric geometry allows the anchor to engage properly with the interbody receptacle while maintaining stability, eliminating the need for complex symmetric guiding structures.
2Reliability
If the anchor shank is made straight for simple manufacturing, then manufacturing is easier, but the anchor cannot prevent rotation or twisting during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The shank portion of the anchor is designed with a convex curve that allows it to be inserted at an angle relative to the head. This curved configuration inherently prevents rotation and twisting during deployment by guiding the anchor along a predetermined path into the interbody receptacle. The curvature is integrated into the shank geometry, making it manufacturable through standard forming processes while ensuring stable deployment.
3Ease of operation
If the anchor lacks guiding rails or features, then the anchor structure is simpler, but the anchor cannot be guided into the interbody receptacle with precision
Solution Approach 1:
The curved shank acts as an inherent guiding feature that directs the anchor into the interbody receptacle at the correct angle. The convex curve profile provides passive guidance during insertion, eliminating the need for additional active guiding rails or complex mechanical guidance systems. The curvature itself serves as the guiding mechanism, maintaining simplicity while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved shank geometry is pre-formed during manufacturing to automatically orient the anchor correctly during insertion. This preliminary geometric configuration performs the guiding function before the anchor reaches the receptacle, allowing for precise engagement without requiring complex guiding features or multi-step alignment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are an anchor and interbody for interbody fusion, including an interbody for insertion between human vertebrae, including an interbody cage including a plurality of anchor receptacles, each anchor receptacle configured to receive an anchor to secure the interbody to a vertebra; and the anchor, including a head configured to engage an anchor receptacle; a curved partial-tubular shank with a convex curve, connected to or integral with the head at a distal end of the head, and extending from the head; a tapered tip portion extending from a distal end of the curved partial-tubular shank; one or more rails integral with or connected to an outside surface of the anchor, extending from a proximal end of head and along the curved partial-tubular shank to a proximal end of the tapered tip portion; and a feature formed from two flat surfaces on an outside of the anchor and a rail.