Expandable Interbody Fusion Implant With Adjustable Endplate Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intervertebral fusion devices are costly, time-consuming to manufacture, and can cause issues such as expulsion or subsidence due to improper sizing, leading to poor or delayed fusion results.
Innovation Solution
An expandable intervertebral implant with endplates and a translation member, featuring sloped surfaces and tracks for sliding engagement, allowing adjustable expansion and contraction, and made from materials like silicon nitride for osteoinductive properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional subtractive manufacturing is used to machine each component individually, then manufacturing precision can be achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separately manufactured components (endplates, translation member, auger, locking mechanism) into a single monolithic structure formed by additive manufacturing. This merging eliminates the need for individual machining operations on each component while maintaining the required precision through layer-by-layer fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The additively manufactured implant serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables height adjustment through integrated translation mechanisms, ensures precise fit through customized geometry, and promotes bone growth through osteoinductive material properties. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple separate components.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size fusion cages are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different patient needs is reduced, requiring multiple inventory sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed-size cage into a dynamic adjustable structure. The monolithic implant includes integrated translation members and locking mechanisms that allow post-implantation adjustment of cage height and positioning, enabling a single device design to adapt to various patient anatomies and surgical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant allows changing of critical parameters (height, position, orientation) after implantation through the integrated adjustment mechanism. This parameter variability is built into the monolithic structure, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size variants while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Device complexity
If solid fusion cages are used without adjustment capability, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of fusion outcome decreases due to improper sizing causing expulsion or subsidence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability into the implant structure, allowing surgeons to optimize cage positioning and height after implantation. This adjustability ensures proper fit and load distribution, preventing expulsion and subsidence while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through the integrated monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant includes self-contained adjustment and locking mechanisms built into the monolithic structure. The translation members and locking features work together to enable surgeon-controlled adjustment without requiring additional external components or complex assembly procedures, balancing reliability with manageable complexity.
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 implant provides adjustable fit, reduces manufacturing time and costs, and promotes bone fusion through osteoinductive materials, enhancing surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
an auger mounted to the translation member and extending through the second endplate
Implementation Method 2
The translation member includes an anteriorly facing sloped surface for matingly engaging the sloped posterior face of the first endplate
Implementation Method 3
a first endplate, a second endplate, a translation member... featuring sloped surfaces and tracks for sliding engagement
Implementation Method 4
made from materials like silicon nitride for osteoinductive properties
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable intervertebral implant for an intervertebral fusion is provided. The implant includes a first endplate, a second endplate, a translation member and an auger mounted to the translation member and extending through the second endplate. The first endplate includes a sloped anterior face and a sloped posterior face. The second endplate includes a posteriorly facing sloped surface for matingly engaging the sloped anterior face of the first endplate. The translation member includes an anteriorly facing sloped surface for matingly engaging the sloped posterior face of the first endplate.