Expandable Spinal Implant With Hinged Linkage Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fusion implants lack the ability to adjust to patient anatomy and provide dynamic support, limiting their effectiveness in restoring disc height and correcting spinal alignment.
Innovation Solution
An expandable implant with rotatably coupled supports and a control assembly that allows for adjustable expansion and contraction, featuring a hinge mechanism, linkage members, and anchoring members for secure placement within the spine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed spinal fusion implants are used, then surgical simplicity is maintained, but the ability to adjust to patient anatomy and restore disc height is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple supports (first support, second support, third support) that can independently articulate and adjust relative to each other, allowing the implant to adapt to varying patient anatomy while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The implant incorporates dynamic articulation mechanisms between supports, enabling the structure to change configuration and angle in response to patient-specific anatomical requirements rather than being fixed in a single position
2Reliability
If traditional fixed implants are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but dynamic support and disc height restoration are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly enables dynamic adjustment of the implant's configuration through articulation between supports, providing reliable dynamic support that adapts to physiological conditions while maintaining structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism between supports provides mechanical feedback that allows the implant to respond to loads and physiological conditions, enhancing reliability through adaptive behavior
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed angle implants are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ability to correct spinal alignment in situ is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is segmented into multiple articulating supports that can be manufactured using standard processes, with the alignment correction capability emerging from the articulated configuration rather than complex manufacturing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The implant can restore disc height, accommodate patient anatomy, and correct spinal alignment by adjusting the angle in situ, providing dynamic support and promoting bone growth.
Implementation Method 1
the lower support hingedly coupled to the upper support at a rear portion of the expandable implant
Implementation Method 2
a control assembly configured to move the implant between at least a first, collapsed orientation and a second, expanded orientation
Implementation Method 3
a first linkage hingedly coupled to the control member and the second support, wherein movement of the control member causes the first support to move relative to the second support
Data Source
AI summary
An implant includes a first support, a second support rotatably coupled to the first support along a distal end of the implant, and a control assembly configured to move the implant between at least a first, collapsed orientation and a second, expanded orientation, the control assembly includes a control driver coupled to the first support and comprising a head and a shaft, the control driver configured to control relative movement between the first support and the second support, a control member configured to move along the shaft of the control driver, and a first linkage hingedly coupled to the control member and the second support, wherein movement of the control member causes the first support to move relative to the second support.