Expandable Intervertebral Implant Wedge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal surgery techniques require additional tools and surgical steps for distracting vertebral bodies to restore normal disc space, which can be time-consuming and inefficient, especially in cases of extreme degeneration.
Innovation Solution
An expandable implant designed for implantation between vertebral bodies, featuring a first and second member with interior surfaces, a strut, and wedges attached by deformable tethers, allowing for expansion to restore disc space without the need for additional tools, with angled surfaces and teeth to prevent unwanted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional distraction tools and additional surgical steps are used to restore disc space, then the disc spacing can be restored, but the surgical procedure becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The implant integrates the distraction function directly into the implant structure itself. The expandable implant body with wedge mechanisms combines the functions of space restoration and stabilization into a single device, eliminating the need for separate distraction tools and reducing surgical steps while maintaining precise disc space restoration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is designed to be inserted in a collapsed state and then expanded in situ to the desired disc height. This preliminary insertion followed by expansion allows the surgeon to restore disc space without requiring pre-distracting tools, as the expansion action itself performs the distraction function during the implantation process
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple tools and surgical steps are employed for vertebral body distraction, then normal disc spacing can be achieved, but the surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant integrates multiple functions into a single device: the expandable body performs distraction, the wedge mechanisms provide expansion control, and the internal structure ensures stable positioning. This consolidation reduces surgical complexity by eliminating multiple separate tools and steps while maintaining precise disc spacing restoration
Solution Approach 2:
The implant serves multiple functions simultaneously: it restores disc space through expansion, provides structural support between vertebral bodies, and enables controlled adjustment of disc height. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized tools and surgical steps, simplifying the overall procedure
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 faster and more efficient restoration of disc space by expanding between vertebral bodies, reducing the need for additional surgical steps and tools, while allowing for bone growth and maintaining stability.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge disposed between the first and second interior surfaces and attached to at least one of the first or second members. Preferably, in this embodiment, movement of the wedge in a first direction causes movement of at least one of the first or second members in a second direction.
Implementation Method 2
The wedge may be attached to at least one of the first or second members by a deformable tether.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of inserting an expandable intervertebral implant is disclosed. The implant preferably includes first and second members capable of being expanded upon movement of first and second wedges. The first and second wedges, while being capable of moving with respect to each other and the first and second members are also preferably attached to the first and second members. In addition, the first and second wedges are preferably capable of moving only in a first direction, while movement in a second direction is inhibited. The first and second wedges are also preferably prevented from torsionally moving with respect to the first and second members.