Anterior Cervical Plate with Low-Profile Outer Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spinal fusion techniques face issues with device migration, excessive protrusion of fixation devices, and difficulty in placement due to anatomical constraints, leading to discomfort, damage, and increased risk of infection.

Innovation Solution

A spinal fusion device comprising a U-shaped load-bearing component and an anterior component that mates with an external outer plate, featuring a low profile and alignment tabs for easy positioning perpendicular to the spine centerline, along with anti-backout locking mechanisms and threaded connectors for stability and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If prior art spinal fusion techniques use bone screws and plates for fixation, then spinal stability is achieved, but device migration occurs during insertion and tightening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoiddevice position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation system is divided into modular components: an anterior cervical plate, load-bearing components (U-shaped or rectangular), and bone screws. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while reducing interference during insertion, thereby preventing device migration while maintaining spinal stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a low-profile design that reduces the protrusion of the plate from the spine in the lateral dimension. By minimizing the plate's external dimensions while maintaining internal structural integrity, the device achieves stable fixation without excessive protrusion that could cause migration or tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If fusion devices protrude excessively from the spine to provide adequate fixation, then spinal stability is improved, but discomfort and damage to surrounding tissues occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidtissue damage and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plate is designed with a thin, low-profile structure that minimizes its external dimensions. The plate maintains sufficient thickness to provide structural support and stability while keeping the external profile low to avoid contact with and damage to surrounding neural and vascular tissues, thereby eliminating discomfort and tissue damage risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If supplemental fixation plates and screws are used to ensure stable fusion, then spinal stability is achieved, but placement difficulty increases due to anatomical constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidplacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anterior cervical plate is designed to perform multiple functions: providing structural support, facilitating screw insertion, and ensuring proper alignment. The plate includes integrated features such as screw holes, alignment tabs, and locking mechanisms that simplify the placement process while maintaining spinal stability, reducing the need for additional supplementary fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If multiple supplementary fixation devices are used to ensure stable fusion, then spinal stability is improved, but recovery time and infection risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidrecovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9248027B2Cervical implant with exterior face plate

Publication Date: 2016.02.02 SPINESMITH PARTNERS LP

AI summary

The invention is directed to a spinal fusion device, comprising a load bearing component and an anterior component, wherein the load bearing component and the anterior component are configured to mate together by complimentary coupling members, and further comprising an external outer plate configured to span two vertebrae, wherein the outer plate includes bores configured to receive bone screws for coupling to vertebrae.