Expandable Intervertebral Cage for Wider Disc Space Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive intervertebral fusion procedures are limited by the size of the surgical access, which restricts the size of implants that can be inserted, affecting the stability and area for bone growth within the disc space.
Innovation Solution
A transversely expandable intervertebral body fusion device with a unitary monolithic body, comprising multiple segments connected by flexure members, that can be inserted in a compressed configuration and expanded within the disc space to a larger mediolateral footprint, using an insertion device with a stabilizing and expansion mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a minimally invasive surgical approach is used, then patient recovery time and discomfort are reduced, but the size of the implant that can be inserted is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple body segments (anterior, posterior, and mediolateral segments) that can be inserted in a compressed configuration through a small incision and then expanded within the disc space to achieve a larger final footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The implant transitions from a low-profile compressed configuration during insertion to a expanded configuration with increased mediolateral dimensions, effectively changing its dimensional footprint after insertion to provide greater stability and bone contact area
2Stability of the object's composition
If a larger implant is inserted through a small access opening, then stability and bone growth area are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The body is segmented into multiple sections connected by flexure members, allowing the device to be inserted in a compressed state and expanded to a larger footprint within the disc space, providing greater stability and bone contact area without requiring a large initial access opening
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static compressed configuration during insertion to a dynamic expanded configuration within the disc space, with flexure members enabling controlled expansion to achieve the desired stable position and bone contact
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 device provides more robust support and stability within the disc space by occupying a wider footprint than the initial access opening, enhancing bone fusion and reducing the risk of nerve injury.
Implementation Method 1
a body having a plurality of body segments connected to each other with flexure members
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for intervertebral body fusion that provide more robust support within the disc space. Intervertebral body fusion devices can have a unitary monolithic body including a plurality of body segments interconnected with each other by flexure members. Devices can be configured to be inserted through an opening in a compressed configuration and then expanded within the disc space to an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, devices can have a greater mediolateral or transverse to the disc space footprint. This wider footprint provides greater support for the vertebrae relative to the size of the opening through which the device is inserted. Insertion devices for inserting, expanding and extracting such implants are also disclosed.