Multi-Axis Expandable Interbody Implant for Distraction and Lordosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expandable interbody devices for spinal treatment have limited ranges of expansion, types of expansion, and ranges of inclination, failing to adequately address spinal disorders such as degenerative disc disease and curvature abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
An expandable spinal implant designed to pivot along multiple axes, allowing for both distraction and lordosis, featuring a frame with pivot points for longitudinal and transverse movements, and a mechanism with distraction and angulation wedges to adjust spacing and angle between endplates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If expandable interbody devices are introduced to provide additional spacing capability, then the ability to restore vertebral body spacing is improved, but the range of expansion and types of expansion are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The interbody device incorporates multiple movable components including a piston, expansion arms, and articulation joints that enable dynamic adjustment of the device. The piston can move axially within the body to expand the device radially, while the expansion arms can articulate at multiple joints to provide both radial expansion and longitudinal distraction, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from one-dimensional radial expansion to multi-dimensional adjustment by incorporating expansion arms with articulation joints. These joints allow the arms to move not only radially outward but also along the longitudinal axis (distraction) and potentially in angular orientations, adding dimensional capability to the expansion mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expandable devices are used to restore curvature, then the ability to correct spinal alignment is improved, but the range of inclination adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates articulation joints in the expansion arms that enable dynamic angular adjustment. These joints allow the expansion arms to pivot and articulate, providing variable inclination angles as the device expands. This dynamic articulation capability enables the device to adapt to different spinal curvature requirements and inclination angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into multiple segmented components including the body, expansion arms, and articulation joints. This segmentation allows independent movement and adjustment of each component, enabling complex angular and inclination adjustments through the coordinated motion of multiple segments rather than requiring a single complex mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the implant is designed to pivot along multiple axes, then the flexibility in spacing and angulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses multiple segmented expansion arms with individual articulation joints rather than a single complex pivot mechanism. Each arm can articulate independently at its joints, providing multi-axis movement capability through simple, modular segments. This segmentation simplifies the overall mechanism while achieving complex motion capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion arms serve multiple functions: they provide radial expansion, longitudinal distraction, and angular inclination adjustment all through a single integrated component. The articulation joints in these arms enable multi-axis pivoting that accomplishes multiple adjustment objectives simultaneously, reducing the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable implant pivotally movable between a collapsed position, an expanded position, and an angled position, is disclosed. The implant may include at least one first pivoting axis extending in a longitudinal direction and at least one second pivoting axis extending in a transverse direction of the implant. A frame may be pivotally coupled to at least one arm, a superior endplate, and an inferior endplate. The at least one arm may be pivotally coupled to one of the superior endplate or the inferior endplate. The implant may include at least one distraction wedge engaged with the at least one arm and at least one angulation wedge engaged with the at least one distraction wedge.