Expandable Spinal Interbody Spacer with Rotating Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical treatments for spinal disorders, such as degenerative disc disease and osteoporosis, often require invasive procedures and lack effective solutions for stabilizing the spine and restoring lordosis, particularly in anterior regions.
Innovation Solution
A steerable expandable interbody spacer with a gearing mechanism and actuation system that allows for anterior placement and expansion, enabling distraction and locking of vertebrae, facilitating minimally invasive procedures and various surgical approaches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spinal fixation procedures are used, then spinal stability can be achieved, but the procedures are highly invasive and require large incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal implant is divided into multiple segments including a first member, second member, and rotatable element that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the implant to be inserted through a minimally invasive approach while providing stable fixation through the combined action of multiple structural components
Solution Approach 2:
The implant incorporates a rotatable element that defines an axis and can rotate the members about this axis, transforming the implant from a static structure to a dynamic one. This dynamic capability allows the implant to be inserted in a compact configuration and then expanded or adjusted post-insertion to achieve optimal stability with minimal initial invasiveness
2Ease of operation
If spinal implants are designed for anterior placement, then access to anterior spinal regions is improved, but the complexity of the implant structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant members are configured to nest within each other in a retracted configuration, with the second member positioned within the first member. This nested structure allows the implant to be delivered through a minimally invasive anterior approach in a compact form, reducing the complexity of the delivery system while maintaining the capability for effective anterior placement
Solution Approach 2:
The implant utilizes a third dimension through the rotatable element that can rotate members about an axis, allowing the implant to transition between a compact linear configuration for insertion and an expanded three-dimensional configuration for fixation. This dimensional transformation simplifies the insertion process while maintaining structural integrity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the implant members are kept in a retracted configuration during insertion, then minimally invasive procedures are enabled, but the implant cannot provide adequate spinal support until expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed as a dynamic structure that transitions from a retracted configuration during insertion to an expanded configuration for support. The rotatable element enables this transformation by allowing the members to rotate about an axis, converting the implant from a compact delivery form to a load-bearing structure that provides adequate spinal support after deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The implant members are pre-configured in a retracted state that facilitates minimally invasive insertion through small incisions. After successful insertion, the members are then expanded to their functional configuration to provide spinal support, separating the insertion phase from the support phase to minimize tissue trauma while ensuring adequate stabilization
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal implant comprises a first member and a second member. A rotatable element defines an axis and is engageable to rotate the members about the axis. An actuator is rotatable for translating a part thereof to move the members between a first, contracted configuration and a second, expanded configuration. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.