Expandable Spinal Cage With Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal surgical devices lack an efficient mechanism for supporting adjacent vertebrae and promoting spinal fusion, particularly in cases of misalignment or constriction of the spinal canal, which can lead to nerve compression and neurological disorders.
Innovation Solution
An expandable cage apparatus comprising first and second supporting members that can move relative to each other, with an expansion member positioned between them to maintain their fixed position, allowing for adjustable height and accommodation in variable spaces between vertebrae, and incorporating a bone support matrix to facilitate spinal fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current spinal surgical devices are used to support adjacent vertebrae, then spinal fusion can be promoted, but the devices lack an efficient mechanism for accommodating variable spaces between vertebrae and providing adjustable height
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal device is divided into multiple segments including first and second supporting members that can move relative to each other, allowing the device to adapt to variable spinal spaces while maintaining structural integrity for promoting fusion
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting members are configured to move relative to each other, transforming the device from a static structure to a dynamic system that can adjust to different spinal configurations and accommodate variable heights between vertebrae
2Adaptability or versatility
If expandable cage apparatus with movable supporting members is used, then adjustable height and accommodation in variable spaces is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first supporting member is positioned within the second supporting member, creating a nested configuration that enables relative movement and height adjustment while maintaining a compact overall structure that does not excessively increase device complexity
3Reliability
If spinal cages are used to replace diseased vertebral tissue, then bony fusion is promoted, but the devices lack effective mechanisms for maintaining stable relative position of supporting members
Solution Approach 1:
An expansion member is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second supporting members to maintain their relative position, providing stability without requiring complex direct connection mechanisms between the supporting members
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus supports the spine between vertebrae and promotes spinal fusion. The apparatus generally includes a first supporting member, a second support member, and an expansion member. The first support member has a first longitudinal passage extending there through and a first supporting end configured to engage tissue. The second supporting member contains a second longitudinal passage extending there through and a second supporting end configured to engage tissue. The second longitudinal passage is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the first supporting member. The first and second supporting members are configured to move with respect to each other. The expansion member is removably positioned between the first and second supporting members and is adapted to maintain the first and second supporting members in a fixed relative position.