Cervical Disc Prosthesis Segmented PEEK Titanium Anchor Fins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cervical disk prostheses made of chromium-cobalt alloy are not transparent to medical imaging, causing image disturbances during MRI or scanner use, while alternative materials like PEEK offer better biocompatibility but differ in mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A cervical disk prosthesis comprising biocompatible materials transparent to medical imaging for the plates and inserts, with anchor fins made of a non-transparent material for enhanced imaging compatibility, ensuring maximum force take-up and avoiding plate weakening, using PEEK for plates, ceramic for inserts, and titanium for anchor fins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If chromium-cobalt alloy is used for the prosthesis, then mechanical strength and biocompatibility are improved, but transparency to medical imaging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple components (plates, inserts, anchor fins) made of different materials. The main structural components use PEEK for imaging transparency, while anchor fins use titanium for strength, allowing each part to optimize its material properties for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis employs composite construction with PEEK plates, ceramic inserts, and titanium anchor fins. This combination allows the overall structure to achieve both imaging transparency (from PEEK) and mechanical strength (from titanium anchor fins embedded in the PEEK structure).
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If PEEK material is used for the prosthesis, then transparency to medical imaging is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
PEEK plates are reinforced with titanium anchor fins that are forcibly engaged into the plate structure. The titanium fins provide the necessary mechanical strength and anchoring capability, while the PEEK matrix maintains imaging transparency and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis separates structural support functions (handled by titanium anchor fins) from imaging transparency requirements (handled by PEEK plates). This segmentation allows each material to be optimized for its primary function while working together as a composite system.
3Strength
If anchor fins are made of non-transparent material, then mechanical anchoring is improved, but image detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis separates detection-critical areas (main plate body made transparent with PEEK) from anchoring-critical areas (anchor fins made of titanium). The anchor fins are positioned at the periphery and forcibly engaged into holes, providing mechanical anchoring without interfering with the central imaging-transparent zone.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material properties are applied to different parts of the prosthesis: the central plate area uses PEEK for imaging transparency, while the peripheral anchor fins use titanium for mechanical anchoring. This local differentiation optimizes each region's material properties for its specific function.
Data Source
AI summary
A disc prosthesis for vertebrae is provided. The disc prosthesis comprises a first plate, a first insert, a second plate, and a second insert. The first plate comprises a first active face and a first anchor face. The second plate comprises a second active face and a second anchor face. The first anchor face is configured to anchor the first plate to a first vertebra. The second anchor face is configured to anchor the second plate to a second vertebra. The first plate comprises a cavity for receiving the first insert. The cavity comprises a concave spherical cap. The second plate comprises an opening that connects the second active face to the second anchor face. The second insert comprises a fastener portion, said fastener portion is friction fit in the opening.