Expandable Intervertebral Spacer for In Situ Distraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral disc prostheses lack the ability to be adjusted or expanded in situ to occupy an optimal space between vertebral bodies, making it difficult to achieve desired distraction and maintain proper biomechanical loads during spinal fusion procedures.
Innovation Solution
An intervertebral disc prosthesis with two movable body members that can be positioned and oriented to distract the disc space, allowing for the insertion of a spacer of predetermined thickness to maintain desired distraction and biomechanical loads, utilizing oblique slots and stabilizing posts to prevent over-distracton and secure the spacer in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a predetermined thickness spacer is used, then the spacer can be easily manufactured and inserted, but the desired amount of distraction between vertebral bodies cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is designed with expandable features including expandable wings and an expandable body that allow it to transition from a compressed insertion state to an expanded functional state. This dynamic structure enables the spacer to adapt to different distraction requirements while maintaining ease of insertion as a pre-formed component.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is divided into separable components including a body and expandable wings that can be inserted in a compressed state and then expanded within the disc space. This segmentation allows for easy manufacturing and insertion while providing adjustability for optimal distraction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cam and complicated mechanisms are used for adjustment, then the spacer can be adjusted for optimal distraction, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer employs dynamic expandable wings and body structures that provide adjustment capability through simple expansion rather than complex mechanisms. The expandable features allow the spacer to adapt to different distraction requirements through inherent structural flexibility rather than complicated adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is designed to be self-adjusting through its expandable structure that naturally adapts to the disc space geometry. The expandable wings and body automatically position themselves to provide optimal distraction without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the implant is inserted obliquely and oriented laterally, then the implant can occupy optimal space between vertebral bodies, but the insertion procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The implant's dynamic expandable structure allows it to be inserted in a compressed oblique orientation and then expanded to occupy the optimal lateral space. This dynamic capability simplifies the insertion procedure by allowing the implant to adapt to the disc space geometry rather than requiring complex pre-positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is designed as a segmented structure with expandable components that can be inserted in a compact oblique orientation and then expanded within the disc space. This segmentation allows for simplified insertion while achieving optimal space occupation through post-insertion expansion.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an intervertebral disc prostheses or implant, and more particularly to an intervertebral disc prosthesis that can be surgically introduced between adjacent vertebral bodies and adjusted or expanded in situ to occupy an optimal or desired space between the vertebral bodies. The implant is preferably inserted into the evacuated disc space obliquely and then oriented so as to extend laterally across the anterior adjacent vertebrae bodies occupying the disc space with the outer ends of the implant being supported by the cortical rims on the opposite sides of the vertebrae bodies. The outer convex surfaces of the two body members conform anatomically to the shape of the disc space contacting the endplates. The implant has two body members that are movable relative to one another so as to vary the space between the members. With the implant so positioned and oriented, the disc space and the implant may be then distracted and a spacer of a desired, predetermined thickness may be inserted within the space between the body members so as to maintain a desired amount of distraction. A method of using an implant is also disclosed.