Expandable Intervertebral Fusion Implant for Distraction-Free Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intervertebral fusion devices require vertebral body distraction to fit and maintain normal disc spacing, making installation challenging due to height discrepancies.
Innovation Solution
An expandable fusion device with sloped actuators and endplates that transition from a collapsed to an expanded configuration, allowing insertion without distraction and maintaining disc spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fusion devices are used, then vertebral body distraction is required to restore disc space height, but this makes installation difficult due to height discrepancies between the distracted space and the device dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion device incorporates expandable endplates that can dynamically change from a compressed insertion configuration to an expanded functional configuration. The endplates include expansion elements (such as expandable struts or telescoping mechanisms) that allow the device to adapt its dimensions during installation, eliminating the need for vertebral distraction while maintaining proper disc space height.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes parameter changes in the endplate dimensions, transitioning from a compact state for insertion through the intervertebral space to an expanded state that restores normal disc height. This dimensional transformation allows the device to overcome the height discrepancy between the undistracted disc space and the implant requirements.
2Length of stationary object
If the fusion device is dimensioned larger in height to maintain normal disc spacing after distraction, then disc spacing is restored, but this creates difficulty in installing the device into the distracted intervertebral space
Solution Approach 1:
The endplates are designed with dynamic expansion capability, allowing them to be inserted in a compressed state and then expanded to the required height. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling the device to fit into the intervertebral space without requiring distraction, while still achieving the desired disc height maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is prepared in a preliminary compressed configuration for insertion, and then the expansion action is performed after positioning to achieve the final desired height. This sequential approach allows the device to first overcome the installation barrier (smaller dimension) and then achieve the functional goal (normal disc height).
Data Source
AI summary
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. The intervertebral implant may be configured to transition from a collapsed configuration having a first width and a first height to an expanded configuration having a second width and a second height.