Expandable Bone Device Linking Elements for Spinal Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable devices for spinal stabilization and bone support face challenges such as difficulty in construction and insertion, bulkiness, inadequate surface coverage, and the need for multiple sizes, which complicate minimally invasive surgery and inventory management.
Innovation Solution
The development of an expandable bone device that can be inserted through a single side of the vertebra, featuring linking elements with adjustable expansion mechanisms, such as wedges, jacks, or self-expanding materials, allowing for customizable fit and attachment to the bone surface, and optional ratchet locking for stability, enabling minimally invasive procedures and versatile applications beyond the spine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional implantable devices are used for spinal stabilization, then structural support is provided, but difficulty of construction and insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable device is divided into multiple linking elements that can be inserted separately through a minimally invasive approach and then connected together within the bone cavity, transforming a complex single-piece insertion into a series of simpler steps
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates expandable linking elements that can dynamically adjust their size and shape after insertion, allowing the device to adapt to the specific anatomical geometry of the bone cavity and improve fit without requiring precise pre-measurement
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size implantable devices are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different anatomical sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The linking elements are designed with expandable structures that can be adjusted post-insertion to match various anatomical dimensions, allowing a single device design to accommodate multiple patient anatomies without requiring extensive inventory of different sized implants
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes materials and mechanisms that allow change in dimensional parameters after insertion, enabling the same manufactured component to adapt to different anatomical sizes through controlled expansion or deformation of the linking elements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple device sizes are maintained in inventory, then adaptability to different patients is improved, but inventory complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable device is designed as a universal platform with adjustable linking elements that can be configured to fit various patient anatomies, eliminating the need to maintain multiple specialized device sizes in inventory while still providing customized fit for each patient
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the device into adjustable linking elements rather than providing multiple complete device sizes, the system achieves adaptability through configuration of components rather than through inventory diversity
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 expandable bone device provides enhanced stability and flexibility for spinal fusion and bone reconstruction, reducing surgical trauma and inventory needs, while accommodating various anatomical sizes and movement dynamics, facilitating both static and dynamic functions.
Implementation Method 1
expandable capability for height control (to regain disc space height or vertebral body height)
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable bone device that includes a plurality of linking elements pivotally connected to one another about a hinge, wherein each of the linking elements has upper and lower support plates. An expansion mechanism is operatively connected to the linking elements and can move the upper support plate closer or further with respect to the lower support plate.