Expandable Intervertebral Fusion Implant Without Auxiliary Screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intervertebral fusion techniques require complex surgical procedures, excessive localized load on vertebrae, and prolonged anesthesia, necessitating a simpler and less invasive method to maintain intervertebral spacing and prevent nerve compression.
Innovation Solution
An intervertebral fusion device with gripping teeth on expansion arms that secure between vertebrae without auxiliary screws, utilizing a snap-lock mechanism to maintain spacing and facilitate bone fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pedicle screws and rods are implanted to distract the intervertebral space, then the intervertebral spacing is maintained, but the surgical procedure becomes complex and requires prolonged anesthesia
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion device is divided into multiple functional segments: a main body portion that abuts between vertebrae, expansion arms with gripping teeth for vertebral engagement, and a sliding block mechanism for controlled expansion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall surgical procedure while maintaining reliable intervertebral spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the natural expansion force of the bone graft material placed within it to automatically expand and engage the vertebral bodies. The gripping teeth on the expansion arms self-lock into the vertebrae as the device expands, eliminating the need for complex screw fixation systems and reducing surgical complexity.
2Reliability
If pedicle screws and rods are implanted to distract the intervertebral space, then the intervertebral spacing is maintained, but excessive localized load is applied to the vertebrae
Solution Approach 1:
The device is inserted in a compressed state between the vertebrae, establishing the desired intervertebral spacing before any expansion occurs. The bone graft material is placed within the device, and then the device is allowed to expand gradually, distributing the distraction force evenly as the gripping teeth engage the vertebral bodies progressively rather than all at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static compressed state during insertion to a dynamic expanded state as the bone graft expands it. This dynamic expansion allows the gripping teeth to progressively engage the vertebrae, distributing the mechanical load over time and reducing peak localized forces compared to immediate rigid fixation with screws.
3Reliability
If conventional surgical procedures are used with numerous instruments, then the intervertebral fusion can be achieved, but the surgical duration is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated implant: spacing maintenance, vertebral engagement, bone graft containment, and fusion promotion. This eliminates the need for separate pedicle screws, rods, and bone graft holders, reducing the number of instruments needed and shortening surgical time while maintaining reliable fusion outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fusion device serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it maintains intervertebral spacing, engages vertebral bodies through gripping teeth, contains and delivers bone graft material, and promotes fusion. This multi-functionality replaces several separate surgical instruments and procedures, improving surgical efficiency without compromising the reliability of the fusion outcome.
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral fusion device configured to maintain a clearance between two vertebrae. The intervertebral fusion device including: a main body, including two vertebral abutting surfaces opposite to each other, an accommodation groove and a slide rail which are both located between the two vertebral abutting surfaces; an positioning hook, disposed in the accommodation groove, the positioning hook including a fixed portion and an expansion arm connected to the fixed portion, wherein the fixed portion is connected to the main body, and the outer side of the expansion arm is provided with a plurality of gripping teeth; and a sliding block, slidably disposed in the slide rail, to maintain a closed state or an expansion state of the positioning hook.