Expandable Fusion Implant for Low-Distraction Disc Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intervertebral fusion devices require vertebral body distraction to fit and maintain normal disc spacing, complicating surgical installation.
Innovation Solution
An expandable fusion device with movable endplates that can be deployed in an unexpanded or expanded configuration, allowing installation with minimal to no distraction, and adjustable to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fusion devices are used, then vertebral body distraction is required to install the device, but this complicates the surgical installation process and requires pre-distracting vertebral bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion device incorporates movable endplates that can transition between retracted and extended positions, allowing the device to be inserted in a compact state and then expanded to the desired height to maintain disc spacing without requiring pre-distraction of vertebral bodies
Solution Approach 2:
The endplates are designed as separate movable components that can be independently positioned relative to the body portion, enabling the device to adapt to the intervertebral space without requiring complex pre-operative planning and distraction procedures
2Length of stationary object
If the fusion device is dimensioned larger in height than the initial distraction height to maintain normal disc spacing, then disc spacing is maintained, but this makes it difficult to install the device in the distracted intervertebral space
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows dynamic adjustment of endplate position during installation, enabling the surgeon to insert the device in a compact configuration and then expand it to the appropriate height to maintain normal disc spacing, eliminating the need to choose between device size and installability
Solution Approach 2:
The movable endplates can be positioned in a retracted configuration that reduces the overall height of the device, allowing it to be inserted into the distracted intervertebral space and then expanded to maintain proper disc spacing
3Length of stationary object
If vertebral body distraction is performed to restore disc spacing, then normal disc spacing is restored, but this requires additional surgical steps and time
Solution Approach 1:
The function of maintaining disc spacing is extracted from the pre-operative distraction step and integrated into the device itself through movable endplates that can be adjusted after insertion, eliminating the need for time-consuming distraction procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with pre-configured movable endplates that can be rapidly deployed to maintain disc spacing immediately upon insertion, eliminating the need for time-consuming pre-operative distraction and planning
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.