Spinal Facet Plate with K-Wire Guide for Implant Expulsion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Facet joint implants tend to migrate out of their intended position in spinal facet joint fusion surgeries, leading to instability and pain.
Innovation Solution
A plate with strategically placed fasteners and an installation tool system that guides the plate to the correct position using a k-wire, ensuring secure attachment to the vertebral bodies over the implant, preventing posterior expulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a plate is fastened to the upper and lower vertebrae for stabilizing the facet joint, then stability and restriction of movement are improved, but the implant tends to migrate out of the facet joint
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is divided into multiple fastening segments with superior and inferior fasteners that can be independently positioned on the vertebral bodies. This segmentation allows the plate to securely anchor to the vertebrae while maintaining the wedge implant in the facet joint, preventing migration through distributed fixation points.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is pre-formed with predetermined fastening holes and geometric configurations that match the vertebral anatomy. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the plate is installed, it automatically achieves proper positioning and secure attachment without requiring adjustment, thereby preventing implant migration.
2Reliability
If the plate is securely fastened to prevent implant migration, then reliability is improved, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A guide wire serves as an intermediary tool during installation, providing a precise pathway for placing the plate and its fasteners. The guide wire simplifies the complex task of accurate plate positioning by acting as a mediator between the surgeon and the plate, enabling reliable fixation without excessive procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate design incorporates multiple universal fastening holes and geometric features that can accommodate different fastening methods and vertebral anatomies. This multi-functionality allows the same plate design to be reliably installed across different patients and surgical scenarios, maintaining reliability while reducing installation complexity through standardized procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A plate and an installation tool are provided for preventing a spinal facet joint implant from expulsing from its implant location between a superior and an inferior vertebra. A k-wire is used in cooperation with the plate and installation tool to guide them to the desired location. The plate includes a central threaded bore situated between one or two superior bone screw or bone connection barb bores and one or two inferior bone screw or bone connection barb bores. The installation tool includes a threaded plug at one end for receipt by the plate's central threaded bore for releasably holding the plate during installation. The installation tool has a superior structure and an inferior structure that can be a cannula or tang depending on the plate's form.