Extendable Tab Bone Fusion Device for Arthroscopic Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bone fusion devices require invasive surgical procedures, leading to long recovery periods due to their large size and need for extensive tissue displacement, which increases trauma and recovery time.
Innovation Solution
A bone fusion device with extendable tabs that can be compactly inserted arthroscopically, featuring a rotating mechanism to extend tabs after placement, providing additional surface area for fusion and stability, and incorporating features like conduits for bone graft material and retention springs for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional bone fusion devices are inserted using invasive surgical procedures, then the devices can provide sufficient structural support and stability, but the surgical trauma and recovery time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bone fusion device is divided into a body portion and multiple extendable tabs. The body portion is inserted through a minimally invasive arthroscopic approach, while the tabs are extended afterward to engage with the vertebral bone surfaces. This segmentation allows the device to be inserted through a small incision while still providing extensive bone contact area for fusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are designed to be extendable from a retracted position to an extended position after insertion. This dynamic configuration allows the device to transition from a compact insertable form to a expanded stable form, providing sufficient bone engagement without requiring large initial access channels.
2Volume of moving object
If the bone fusion device is made compact for arthroscopic insertion, then surgical trauma is reduced, but the surface area available for bone fusion decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are nested within or against the body portion during insertion, creating a compact profile that can pass through arthroscopic instruments. After insertion, the tabs are extended outward from the body, increasing the total surface area available for bone fusion without requiring a larger insertion channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a two-dimensional compact profile during insertion to a three-dimensional expanded structure after deployment. The tabs extend perpendicular to the body surface, adding volume and surface area in a direction that does not increase the insertion footprint.
3Area of stationary object
If extendable tabs are added to increase fusion surface area, then bone integration is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are integrated as part of a single monolithic device body rather than separate components. This merging of the tabs and body into one piece simplifies manufacturing and implantation while still providing the functional benefits of extended surface area for bone fusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The body portion serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural core for arthroscopic insertion, provides the mounting structure for the tabs, and serves as the platform for bone graft material placement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
4Reliability
If retention springs are incorporated to secure device positioning, then implant stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention springs are designed to automatically engage with corresponding features on the vertebral bone surfaces upon tab extension, providing self-retention without requiring additional fastening steps or complex assembly procedures. The springs activate through the natural insertion and extension process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates porous coating on the tab surfaces to enhance bone ingrowth and biological fixation. This porous structure works synergistically with the mechanical retention springs to provide both immediate mechanical stability and long-term biological integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fusion device provides stability to bones during a bone fusion period. The bones include, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs attached to the bone fusion device by associated rotating means. The bone fusion device is preferably inserted by using an arthroscopic surgical procedure. During arthroscopic insertion of the device, the tabs are pre-configured for compactness. In this compact configuration, the tabs are preferably deposed along and/or within an exterior surface of the bone fusion device. After the bone fusion device has been positioned between the bones, one or more tab(s) are extended. In the preferred embodiment, the position of each tab is related to a positioning element and extending blocks. Typically, the tabs advantageously position and brace the bone fusion device in the confined space between the bones until the bones have fused.