Expandable Lordotic Intervertebral Cage Ratchet for Narrow Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion procedures face challenges in inserting intervertebral cages due to limited working space and the need to accommodate the angular relationship of vertebral bodies, leading to improper fitting and potential dislodgment or migration of cages.
Innovation Solution
Expandable and angularly adjustable intervertebral cages with integrated ratchet assemblies, manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques, allowing for size and angle adjustment to fit the intervertebral space and accommodate lordotic angles, eliminating the need for external fixation elements and seams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cage is made larger to restore disc height and stabilize the spine, then the structural support and stabilization function is improved, but the difficulty of insertion through narrow access pathway increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be collapsed together to reduce the overall size for insertion, then separated or expanded to the full size for structural support. This segmentation allows the cage to transition between a compact insertion configuration and a larger stabilized configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage incorporates dynamic expansion mechanisms that allow it to change size from a compressed insertion state to an expanded stabilization state. This dynamic capability enables the cage to be inserted in a reduced configuration and then expanded to provide the necessary structural support for disc height restoration and spinal stabilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cage is designed to accommodate angular relationship of vertebral bodies, then the adaptability to lordotic angles is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage incorporates adjustable angular mechanisms that allow it to adapt to different lordotic angles. These dynamic adjustment capabilities enable the cage to be configured at various angles to match the natural curvature of the spine, improving adaptability while the integration of these mechanisms into the overall structure helps manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage design allows for parameter changes in angular orientation to accommodate different vertebral body relationships. By enabling adjustment of the cage angle, the device can adapt to various lordotic configurations, improving versatility in fitting different spinal anatomies.
3Strength
If traditional cages use external fixation elements and seams for expansion, then the structural integrity is improved, but the number of components and potential failure points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage integrates the expansion mechanism and structural components into a unified design, eliminating the need for separate external fixation elements. By merging the expansion function with the cage structure itself, the design reduces the total number of components while maintaining structural integrity through the integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts or eliminates the need for external fixation elements and seams by incorporating the expansion capability directly into the cage structure. This extraction of external components reduces the number of parts that need to be assembled and reduces potential failure points associated with connections and interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments provide various interbody fusion spacers, or cages, for insertion between adjacent vertebrae. The cages may have integrated ratchet assemblies that allow the cage to change size and angle as needed, with little effort. The cages may have a first, insertion configuration characterized by a reduced size to facilitate insertion through a narrow access passage and into the intervertebral space. The cages may be inserted in a first, reduced size and then expanded to a second, larger size once implanted. In their second configuration, the cages are able to maintain the proper disc height and stabilize the spine by restoring sagittal balance and alignment. Additionally, the intervertebral cages are configured to be able to adjust the angle of lordosis, and can accommodate larger lordotic angles in their second, expanded configuration. Further, these cages may promote fusion to further enhance spine stability by immobilizing the adjacent vertebral bodies.