Expandable Intervertebral Spacer With Rotatable Plate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion procedures face challenges in effectively treating spinal irregularities such as spinal stenosis and disc degeneration, particularly in the lumbar spine, due to anatomical constraints like the iliac crest and lumbar plexus, which can limit the trajectory of screws during lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of vertebral fusion devices with expandable and adjustable features, including spacer members and fixation members that can pivot and articulate, allowing for customizable fit and trajectory adjustment to accommodate anatomical variations, enabling secure implantation and screw placement even in challenging anatomical regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed spinal fusion devices are used, then surgical procedure is simpler, but adaptability to anatomical variations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal fusion device incorporates expandable elements that can transition from a compressed insertion state to an expanded operational state. The spacer can be expanded vertically within the intervertebral space, and the fixation member can be rotated from a parallel to a lordotic orientation, allowing the device to adapt to various anatomical configurations while maintaining a relatively simple insertion procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into functionally independent segments: an expandable spacer portion for intervertebral space occupation and a rotatable fixation member for skeletal attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the spacer for expandability and the fixation member for rotation - thereby achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If expandable and adjustable features are added, then adaptability to anatomical variations improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through an expandable spacer that can increase in height within the intervertebral space and a rotatable fixation member that can change from parallel to lordotic orientation. These dynamic features enable customizable fit and trajectory adjustment to accommodate various anatomical variations while maintaining a relatively streamlined device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested configuration where the rotatable fixation member is integrated with the expandable spacer. The fixation member can be positioned within or alongside the spacer structure, allowing both functions (expansion and rotation) to be combined in a compact arrangement that minimizes overall device complexity while providing multiple adjustment capabilities
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive approach is used, then tissue trauma is reduced, but surgical precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with expandable and rotatable features that are activated after insertion into the target site. The spacer is inserted in a compressed state through a minimally invasive approach, then expanded to the desired height within the intervertebral space. Similarly, the fixation member is inserted and then rotated to the appropriate lordotic angle, allowing precise positioning to be achieved after the minimally invasive insertion is complete
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.