Extendable Bone Fusion Device with Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fusion devices require invasive surgical procedures, leading to long recovery periods and challenges in retaining bone graft material in the correct position for effective bone growth.
Innovation Solution
A bone fusion device with extendable plates and a minimally invasive insertion system, featuring a coupling mechanism and control mechanism that securely positions the device between vertebrae, allowing for precise placement and rotation to deliver bone graft material and extend plates for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fusion cages are used with invasive surgical procedures, then structural stability and bone fusion are achieved, but recovery time is prolonged and surgical trauma is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: a cage body and extendable plates that can be inserted independently through minimally invasive approaches, then extended post-operatively to achieve stabilization without requiring prolonged invasive surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The plates are designed to be extendable from a compressed insertion state to an extended stabilization state, allowing the device to adapt its configuration dynamically - inserted minimally invasive then extended to provide full structural support for bone fusion
2Reliability
If bone graft material is placed in traditional fusion cages, then bone growth is promoted, but the material is difficult to retain in the correct position
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is divided into a body and separate extendable plates that can be positioned to create multiple compartments and retention structures, allowing bone graft material to be secured in specific locations within the cage structure
Solution Approach 2:
The extendable plates can be adjusted to different positions to optimize bone graft retention, transitioning from a compact insertion state to an expanded state that provides multiple surfaces for securing graft material against the vertebrae
3Stability of the object's composition
If fusion cages are designed with complex retention mechanisms for bone graft, then material retention improves, but device complexity and surgical difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable plates serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for bone fusion, create retention surfaces for bone graft material, and can be adjusted post-operatively - a single component performing multiple functions without requiring separate complex retention mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates having a central rib. The bone fusion device includes one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage.