Expandable Intervertebral Spacer With Pivotable Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion procedures face challenges in achieving precise anatomical alignment and minimizing tissue disruption, particularly in the lumbar spine, due to anatomical constraints such as the iliac crest and lumbar plexus, which can complicate the placement of intervertebral devices during lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of expandable vertebral fusion devices with adjustable height and lordotic angle, featuring pivotable and articulable components, allows for minimally invasive insertion and expansion within the intervertebral space, enabling precise placement and avoidance of anatomical structures by altering the trajectory of fasteners and using materials like titanium and PEEK for compatibility and bone integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional intervertebral devices are used in LLIF procedures, then surgical access is simplified, but anatomical alignment precision deteriorates due to constraints from the iliac crest and lumbar plexus
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a pivotable connection between the interbody cage and the fixation member, allowing dynamic adjustment of the fixation member's trajectory and angle relative to the cage. This enables precise anatomical alignment by adapting to individual patient anatomy while avoiding structures like the iliac crest and lumbar plexus, rather than being fixed in a single position.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separate functional components: an interbody cage for spinal fusion, a fixation member for secure attachment, and a pivotable connection mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates precise positioning by enabling relative movement between components during implantation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed trajectory fastener placement is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but tissue disruption increases due to inability to avoid anatomical structures
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable connection enables dynamic adjustment of the fixation member's trajectory, allowing surgeons to angle fasteners to avoid sensitive anatomical structures such as the lumbar plexus and iliac crest. This reduces tissue disruption by enabling customized fastener paths rather than being constrained to a fixed trajectory.
3Adaptability or versatility
If expandable devices with adjustable parameters are used, then anatomical adaptability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device features a pivotable connection that allows post-insertion adjustment of the fixation member's angle and position. This provides anatomical adaptability by enabling customization to match individual patient anatomy, while the modular design keeps manufacturing relatively straightforward by using separate, manufacturable components.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the device into modular components (cage, fixation member, pivotable connection), the design achieves anatomical adaptability through configurable assembly while maintaining ease of manufacture for each individual component. Each segment can be manufactured using standard processes and then assembled with the desired configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein are generally directed to spinal implants, systems, apparatuses, and components thereof that can be used in spinal fusion and/or stabilization procedures, as well as methods of installation. The spinal implants may include an intervertebral spacer and a plate member.