Facet Distraction Prosthesis with Articulating Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion techniques using intervertebral pedicle screws and cages are invasive and fail to adapt to the significant variability in facet joint geometry among patients and spinal levels, leading to suboptimal pain relief and clinical outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A facet distraction prosthesis with an array of base elements connected by flexible connector elements, such as cylindrical, spherical, universal, or pin joints, allowing for multi-axis flexibility and adaptation to the facet joint geometry, and keels for secure fixation, enabling indirect decompression and long-term fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard cages and pedicle screws are used for spinal fusion, then pain relief and clinical outcomes can be achieved, but the procedure becomes highly invasive with negative impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple base elements (e.g., four base elements) that are connected by connector elements, allowing the structure to be segmented to match the segmented facet joint surfaces while reducing the need for extensive bone removal and soft tissue disruption associated with traditional pedicle screw systems
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis serves multiple functions: it provides immediate structural support, facilitates bone growth for fusion, and adapts to varying facet joint geometries, replacing the need for separate alignment tools and adjustment procedures required by traditional systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed geometry implant is used, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but the implant cannot adapt to the significant variability of facet joint geometry between different patients and spinal levels
Solution Approach 1:
The connector elements are designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing the prosthesis to dynamically adjust and articulate to match the specific geometry of the facet joint being treated, accommodating variations in curvature, angle, and surface orientation
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the prosthesis into multiple base elements connected by flexible connectors, the structure can independently adjust each segment to fit the complex, variable geometry of facet joints across different patients and spinal levels
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1F
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A facet distraction prosthesis includes an array of facet distraction base elements, connected to each other by a set of connector elements located at adjacent base elements. The set of connector elements includes a male connector having an at least partial cylindrical or spherical contour that is received in, and articulates with, an at least partial cylindrical or spherical recess of a female connector, so that adjacent ones of the base elements can bend in multiple degrees of freedom about different bending axes with respect to each other and adapt to a geometry of a facet joint.