Expandable Intervertebral Cage for Minimally Invasive Fusion Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive intervertebral fusion procedures are limited by the size of the surgical access, restricting the size of implants that can be inserted, which affects the stability and area for bone growth within the disc space.
Innovation Solution
An expandable intervertebral body fusion device with a unitary monolithic body and flexure members that can be inserted in a compressed configuration and expanded within the disc space to a larger mediolateral footprint, featuring locking mechanisms to maintain stability and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a minimally invasive surgical approach is used, then surgical trauma and recovery time are reduced, but the size of the implant that can be inserted is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The intervertebral cage is designed with expandable elements that allow it to transition from a compressed insertion configuration to an expanded stable configuration within the disc space. The cage body includes movable elements that can be actuated post-insertion to increase the implant's footprint and contact area with the vertebral endplates, thereby providing enhanced stability while maintaining minimally invasive access.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable cage employs a nested structure where internal expansion mechanisms are housed within the cage body during insertion, allowing the device to pass through a small surgical access. After insertion, the nested components are deployed to expand the cage's mediolateral footprint, effectively transforming a compact insertable form into a larger stable implant.
2Ease of operation
If the surgical access is minimized, then the procedure is less invasive, but the stability of the device within the disc space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cage transitions from a static small-insertion design to a dynamic expandable structure. The expansion mechanism allows the device to adapt its size post-insertion, increasing the mediolateral footprint to improve stability and load distribution within the disc space while maintaining the benefit of minimal initial surgical access.
3Ease of operation
If the surgical access is minimized, then the procedure is less invasive, but the area for bone growth within the disc space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable cage design allows the bone contact surface area to increase after insertion. The cage body includes expansion elements that, when actuated, increase the mediolateral footprint and the surface area available for bone ingrowth and fusion, thereby providing adequate bone growth area while maintaining minimally invasive access.
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
Provides robust spinal support and increased bone growth area within the disc space, mimicking the effectiveness of more invasive procedures while minimizing surgical trauma.
Implementation Method 1
An expandable intervertebral body fusion device with a unitary monolithic body and flexure members that can be inserted in a compressed configuration and expanded within the disc space to a larger mediolateral footprint
Data Source
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 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.