Dynamic Intervertebral Spacer with Torsion Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intervertebral fusion spacers can be difficult to implant and require excessive time for complete bone regrowth, necessitating an improved solution for rapid and effective bone fusion.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic intervertebral spacer with a ring configuration that allows relative movement between vertebrae, featuring a split design with vertically offset surfaces and attachment features to promote bone growth, made from materials like PEEK or titanium alloys, which resists compression and facilitates elastic motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid fusion spacers or cages are used, then structural support and stability are provided, but bone regrowth takes excessive time and implantation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer incorporates a dynamic element (spring mechanism) that allows controlled motion between vertebrae, transforming the static rigid structure into a dynamic system that actively promotes bone growth through mechanical stimulation while maintaining structural support
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant and stiffness parameters are specifically designed to allow optimal micromotion that stimulates bone regeneration, changing the mechanical parameters from rigid fixed to controlled dynamic to accelerate bone healing
2Strength
If rigid materials are used for fusion spacers, then durability and biocompatibility are achieved, but the device cannot allow relative movement between vertebrae during flexion and extension
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism introduces dynamic motion capability to the otherwise rigid structure, allowing the spacer to adapt to vertebral flexion and extension while maintaining material strength and durability
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is divided into rigid outer structure and dynamic inner spring component, allowing different parts to fulfill different functions - rigid structure provides strength while spring provides motion adaptability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The spacer enables rapid and effective bone growth by allowing dynamic motion between vertebrae, promoting tissue integration and reducing implantation complexity while maintaining stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The posterior portion of the ring is configured to act as a torsion spring to allow the vertical offset between the right side and left side of the ring to decrease under load on the superior and inferior surfaces of the ring
Implementation Method 2
made from materials like PEEK or titanium alloys, which resists compression and facilitates elastic motion
Implementation Method 3
When the adjacent vertebral bodies between which the spacers implanted are under minimal load, the offset will be maximum, and conversely when the adjacent vertebral bodies apply a maximum load (compressive force) to the spacer, the vertical offset will be minimum
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A dynamic intervertebral spacer includes a ring which is split on an anterior portin. A posterior portion of the ring acts as a torsion spring. After implantation, the ring is able to act as a spring between superior and inferior vertebral bodies, thus allowing dynamic bone growth in fusion procedures.