Facet Joint Fixation Device Integrating Bone Graft and Screw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion procedures for intervertebral disc degeneration, such as bone grafting and simple screw fixation, face challenges in long-term success and stability, particularly in highly mobile spine regions, requiring additional fixation methods and reliance on bony union for effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A facet fixation device comprising an inter-bone implant with an internally threaded aperture, a bone fixation apparatus with a base and eyelet, and a screw to securely fix proximate bone elements, allowing for standalone or adjunctive use in spinal fusion, deployable through radiographic or endoscopically assisted minimally invasive approaches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive bone grafting is used to treat intervertebral disc degeneration, then bone fusion between adjacent vertebrae is achieved, but additional instrumented fixation is required to prevent dislodgement of bone grafts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bone graft container and fixation screw into a single integrated device. The bone graft is placed within a container that is part of the fixation assembly, eliminating the need for separate graft placement and fixation steps. This merging of functions directly addresses the contradiction by achieving reliable bone fusion without requiring additional fixation instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical fixation to stabilize the facet joint, contains and secures the bone graft in position, and promotes bone fusion. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating what were previously separate requirements (fixation and graft containment) into a single universal device.
2Ease of operation
If simple screw fixation is used for facet joint stabilization, then mechanical fixation is achieved, but the procedure is largely adjunctive and dependent on bony union occurring elsewhere for long-term success
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the simple screw fixation approach with direct facet joint fusion capability. The fixation device includes components that enable direct bone-to-bone contact and fusion at the facet joint itself, rather than relying on distant bony union. This combination maintains the ease of screw insertion while dramatically improving long-term reliability through direct arthrodesis.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device acts as an intermediary that directly connects and stabilizes the facet joint surfaces. Instead of relying on distant bony union, the device provides direct mechanical support and promotes local bone fusion at the target site, thereby improving reliability without complicating the procedure.
3Ease of operation
If traditional open surgical approaches are used for facet joint fixation, then adequate exposure and fixation are achieved, but minimally invasive radiographic or endoscopic approaches are not feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is segmented into separate components that can be delivered independently through minimally invasive approaches. The bone graft container, fixation screw, and other elements can be introduced separately via radiographic or endoscopic guidance, then assembled in situ. This segmentation enables versatile deployment methods while maintaining adequate fixation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between minimally invasive access and adequate fixation. By designing components that can be delivered through small incisions and assembled under imaging guidance, the device enables versatile deployment while ensuring proper positioning and stable fixation, thus resolving the contradiction between access ease and method flexibility.
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 device effectively stabilizes facet joints, promoting bony union and enhancing the success of spinal fusion procedures by providing secure fixation of proximate bone elements, either as a standalone solution or in conjunction with other fusion methods, through mechanical engagement and frictional stability.
Implementation Method 1
a screw comprising a head and a threaded shaft extending therefrom, wherein the shaft is operatively arranged to extend through the eyelet and threadingly engage the internally threaded aperture
Implementation Method 2
The device effectively stabilizes facet joints, promoting bony union and enhancing the success of spinal fusion procedures by providing secure fixation of proximate bone elements, either as a standalone solution or in conjunction with other fusion methods, through mechanical engagement and frictional stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for fixing the positions of proximate bone elements including an inter-bone implant adapted to be implanted between suitably prepared proximate bone elements, the inter-bone implant having an internally threaded aperture, a bone fixation apparatus including a base having an eyelet and a means connected to the base for mechanically fixing the positions of the proximate bone elements relative to each other, the eyelet being substantially aligned with the internally threaded aperture, and a screw having a head and a threaded shaft extending therefrom, wherein the shaft is operatively arranged to extend through the eyelet and threadingly engage the internally threaded aperture, and the screw is operatively arranged to secure the bone fixation apparatus to the inter-bone implant.