Expandable Spinal Fusion Device with Slidable Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinal stabilization techniques require significant surgical skill and time, and existing expandable fusion devices are limited in their ability to maintain natural lordosis and facilitate interbody fusion through a posterior approach with minimal incision.
Innovation Solution
An expandable spinal fusion device with upper and lower sections and a slidable mechanism, featuring slots and grooves for distraction, allowing for adjustable height and lordosis maintenance, enabling insertion through a small incision and expansion in situ to facilitate interbody fusion with bone graft or ingrowth material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional stabilization techniques are used with posterior approach, then ease of access to spine is improved, but surgical time and skill requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal implant device incorporates an expandable mechanism that transitions from a compressed insertion state to an expanded operational state. The body portion can be expanded along the longitudinal axis after insertion, allowing the device to adapt to the intervertebral space dynamically. This dynamic expansion capability enables easier posterior access while reducing surgical time, as the device is inserted in a compact form and then expanded to the required size in situ.
2Reliability
If conventional fusion devices are used, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but ability to maintain natural lordosis and facilitate interbody fusion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable body portion allows the device to maintain natural lordosis by expanding to the specific height required for each patient's anatomy. The dynamic expansion capability enables the device to adapt to varying intervertebral space requirements and maintain physiological curvature, enhancing both stabilization and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The end plates of the spinal implant device incorporate porous structures that facilitate bone ingrowth and integration. This porous architecture promotes osteoconduction and osseointegration, enhancing the device's ability to facilitate interbody fusion while maintaining spinal stabilization. The porous materials allow bone tissue to grow into the implant structure, creating a strong biological fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal fusion device that is expandable. The device features a top and bottom surface for engaging adjacent vertebrae, a hollow center for stacking of bone or bone growth material, and a slidable mechanism with grooves for expanding or contracting the device in cooperation with a hinge assembly.