Expandable Intervertebral Implant for Asymmetric Coronal Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral fusion devices fail to provide precise adjustments for coronal corrections and vertebral wedging, as they either lack expandability or do not offer asymmetric expansion to address coronal deformities effectively.
Innovation Solution
Expandable coronal implants with a dual actuator assembly and driving ramps that allow for independent height expansion and asymmetric coronal angulation, enabling ipsilateral or contralateral adjustments to correct spinal deformities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If static implants with coronal taper are used, then the implant structure is simple, but precise adjustments for coronal corrections and vertebral wedging cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The implant transitions from a static structure to a dynamic, expandable structure. The implant body includes expandable elements that allow post-insertion adjustment of coronal angle and height, enabling precise correction of coronal deformities while maintaining structural simplicity through controlled expansion mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is divided into separable components including an implant body, expandable elements, and actuation mechanisms. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of coronal angle and height parameters, providing precise control over the correction while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expandable implants are used, then height expansion is achieved, but asymmetric coronal expansion to address coronal corrections is not offered
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable elements are strategically positioned at specific locations within the implant body to provide asymmetric expansion capabilities. Different regions of the implant can be expanded independently to achieve the desired coronal correction, with the expansion mechanism localized to specific zones rather than requiring complex full-implant expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant incorporates asymmetric expandable elements that allow differential expansion between contralateral and ipsilateral sides. This asymmetric design enables correction of coronal deformities by expanding one side more than the other, providing versatile correction capability through controlled asymmetric expansion rather than symmetric expansion mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If dual actuator assembly with multiple driving ramps is used, then independent height expansion and asymmetric coronal angulation are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple actuation functions are merged into an integrated dual actuator assembly that controls both height expansion and asymmetric coronal angulation. The first and second expandable elements are actuated by coordinated movement of the actuation members, combining multiple adjustment functions into a unified mechanism that reduces the number of separate controls needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly serves multiple functions: it controls expansion of the first expandable element for height adjustment, actuates the second expandable element for asymmetric expansion, and enables coronal angle correction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate actuators for each function, managing complexity through versatile component design.
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 implants provide customized correction of coronal deformities by allowing precise angulation adjustments, improving biomechanical balance and stability, and facilitating intervertebral fusion with reduced complications and quicker recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable drive screw actuator having a shaft and a rotatable actuator nut concentric to the drive screw actuator
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of driving ramps including a front ramp, a mid-ramp, and a rear ramp positioned along the shaft of the drive screw actuator and engaged with the top and bottom endplates via complementary ramped surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Expandable intervertebral fusion implants, system, and methods for coronal correction. The implant may include top and bottom endplates configured to engage adjacent vertebrae, a dual actuator assembly including a rotatable drive screw actuator and a rotatable actuator nut concentric to the drive screw actuator, and driving ramps positioned along the shaft of the drive screw actuator and engaged with the top and bottom endplates via complementary ramped surfaces. When inserted in a disc space, the implant has an ipsilateral side and a contralateral side, and rotation of the drive screw actuator and/or the actuator nut causes movement of one or more of the driving ramps, thereby causing independent expansion in height of the contralateral and/or ipsilateral sides of the implant to correct the coronal deformity.