Expandable Fusion Device Endplate Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intervertebral fusion devices require vertebral body distraction for installation, making it difficult to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, as they are typically dimensioned larger than the initial distraction height.
Innovation Solution
An expandable fusion device with moveable endplates that can be deployed in an unexpanded or expanded configuration, allowing for installation with minimal to no distraction and maintaining normal disc spacing, featuring a body portion, first and second endplates, translation member, pins, actuation member, and locking mechanism for adjustable expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional fusion devices are dimensioned larger than the initial distraction height to maintain normal disc spacing, then disc spacing maintenance is improved, but device installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion device incorporates expandable endplates that can transition between compressed and expanded states. The endplates include expansion portions with angled surfaces that allow the device to be inserted in a compressed state and then expanded to the desired height, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and disc spacing maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is prepared in a compressed configuration before insertion, allowing it to pass through the intervertebral space more easily. After insertion, the endplates are expanded to the target height to maintain proper disc spacing, thus performing the size adjustment action before the final positioning is required.
2Length of stationary object
If vertebral body distraction is performed to restore disc space height, then disc space restoration is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable endplates eliminate the need for pre-distribution by allowing the device to be inserted in a compressed state and then expanded to the target height. This dynamic size adjustment simplifies the installation procedure while achieving the same disc space restoration outcome.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its height parameter from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state after implantation. This parameter transformation allows the device to adapt to the intervertebral space requirements without requiring complex pre-operative distraction procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fusion devices require distraction to maintain stability, then spinal stability is improved, but surgical time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable endplates are prepared in a compressed state for easy insertion, then expanded to the target height to provide spinal stability. This eliminates the need for time-consuming distraction procedures while maintaining the stability benefit, thus reducing surgical time without compromising spinal stability.
Data Source
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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.