Vertically Expandable Intervertebral Cage Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intervertebral devices are either static, limiting anatomical adaptation and bone graft volume, or lack rigid components, resulting in unstable contact with vertebral end plates, necessitating a solution that allows for shape and volume expansion while maintaining stability.
Innovation Solution
A vertically expandable intervertebral cage with a circuitous body comprising panels connected by hinges, allowing for configuration changes from a reduced to an increased vertical dimension, facilitated by a deployment mechanism, to provide stable contact with vertebral end plates and accommodate various spinal fusion techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current intervertebral devices are designed as static structures, then manufacturing and surgical procedure are simplified, but the device cannot adapt to anatomical variations and cannot provide optimal bone graft volume
Solution Approach 1:
The intervertebral device incorporates a deployable structure with panels connected by hinges that can transition from a compressed insertion configuration to an expanded deployed configuration. This dynamic mechanism allows the device to adapt its volume and shape to match anatomical variations while maintaining structural integrity through rigid panels and hinge connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current intervertebral devices change their shape and volume, then anatomical adaptation is improved, but the devices lack rigid components and cannot provide stable contact with vertebral end plates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple rigid panels connected by hinges, allowing controlled shape and volume changes while maintaining structural rigidity. The panel segmentation enables the device to expand and conform to anatomical variations while each individual panel maintains sufficient rigidity to provide stable contact with vertebral end plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines rigid panel structures with hinge mechanisms to create a composite system that exhibits both flexibility for shape change and rigidity for stable contact. The rigid panels provide structural support and stable end plate contact, while the hinge connections enable controlled deformation and anatomical adaptation.
3Volume of stationary object
If the intervertebral device is expanded vertically, then bone graft volume and surface contact are optimized, but the insertion procedure becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured in a compressed insertion state with panels folded or angled to reduce overall height and profile. This preliminary compression allows easier insertion through surgical access points, after which the device is deployed to its expanded configuration to provide optimal bone graft volume and surface contact area.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested configuration during insertion where panels are folded or telescoped to minimize the device's external dimensions. Once inserted, the panels are deployed outward to achieve the final expanded volume, similar to a nested doll structure that transitions from compact to expanded form.
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
Enables optimal bone graft volume and surface contact, facilitating stable vertebral end plate support and accommodating diverse anatomical configurations, thus enhancing the effectiveness of spinal fusion procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The side panel may include at least one hinge dividing the side panel into at least two side panel sections. The top edges of the side panels may be rotatably attached to the side edges of the top panel along a hinge. The bottom edges of the side panels may be rotatably attached to the side edges of the bottom panel along a hinge.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertically expandable intervertebral cage, deployment devices, and methods for using the same. The intervertebral cage can include a circuitous body at least partially enclosing an interior volume. The intervertebral cage can also include a front panel which can be formed into a wedge for facilitating implantation of the intervertebral cage into an intervertebral space. The intervertebral cage can be converted from an undeployed configuration, wherein the height of the intervertebral cage is reduced, to a deployed configuration, wherein the height of the intervertebral cage is increased to support end plates of the vertebrae. The intervertebral cage can be converted from the undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration by using a deployment device such as an implantation device and a guide wire. The deployment device can be used to impart a force upon the cage.