Intervertebral Disc Placement Instrument with Rotatable Key

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current artificial intervertebral disc placement systems lack a simple and secure method for holding and inserting the disc in an assembled configuration, often requiring over-distracting the disc space and potentially damaging bone integration structures during implantation.

Innovation Solution

An intervertebral disc placement system featuring a placement instrument with a quick assembly mechanism, utilizing notches and a rotatable key to securely grasp and angle the disc plates for insertion, allowing for partial insertion while constrained and subsequent release for final positioning, reducing the need for excessive distraction and protecting bone integration surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional disc placement methods are used, then the disc can be implanted, but excessive distraction is required and bone integration structures may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of bone integration structuresVSAvoiddifficulty of insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The placement instrument pre-angles the disc plates relative to each other before insertion, so that the disc is positioned at the correct angle during insertion rather than requiring post-insertion adjustment or excessive distraction of the disc space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The placement instrument acts as an intermediary device that holds and angles the disc plates during insertion, protecting the bone integration structures from damage while facilitating easy insertion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the disc plates are held separately during insertion, then insertion may be easier, but the disc cannot be implanted in an assembled configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoiddisc assembly configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The placement instrument merges the function of holding multiple disc plates with the function of maintaining their relative angular positioning, allowing the disc to be inserted in an assembled configuration while keeping the operation simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If a secure grasping mechanism is used, then the disc can be held firmly, but the mechanism may damage the disc surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrasping forceVSAvoiddamage to disc surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The placement instrument has localized contact points or surfaces designed to interface with specific non-critical areas of the disc plates, providing strong grasping force while avoiding contact with and potential damage to the bone integration surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8636805B2Artificial intervertebral disc placement system

Publication Date: 2014.01.28 SIMPLIFY MEDICAL PTY LTD

AI summary

An intervertebral disc placement system includes a multi part intervertebral disc, such as a mobile core disc, and an associated placement instrument. The placement instrument holds the disc securely with the disc endplates angled for ease of placement of the disc into an intervertebral disc space and quickly releases the implant within the disc space. The disc includes upper and lower plates having notches in inner surfaces for engagement of the placement instrument. The placement instrument has a rotatable key configured to fit into the first and second notches to grasp the disc from the interior and eliminate the need for an external grasping mechanism which could interfere with disc placement.