Stabilized laterovertically-expanding fusion cage systems with tensioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fusion cage systems face issues with incomplete bone graft distribution, difficulty in insertion and positioning, large annulotomy trauma, and potential backout due to inadequate stabilization and retention of structural components in the intervertebral space.
Innovation Solution
An intervertebral scaffolding system combining a stabilizer and tensioner, featuring a laterovertically-expanding frame with connector elements and a central beam, designed for minimal invasive insertion, complete bone graft distribution, and stabilization to prevent backout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional fusion cages are designed to be oversized relative to the disc space to distract the disc space, then the disc space distraction is improved, but the difficulty of insertion and positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion cage is divided into multiple expandable segments or struts that can be collapsed for insertion and then expanded to the final oversized configuration. This allows the cage to be inserted in a compact state and then expanded to provide adequate disc space distraction and structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage transitions from a static oversized design to a dynamic expandable structure. The cage is inserted in a collapsed or compressed state to facilitate easy insertion and positioning, then expanded in situ to achieve the required disc space distraction and structural stability.
2Ease of operation
If new fusion cages are inserted at low height and expanded vertically to distract the disc space, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the bone graft distribution becomes incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The cage incorporates porous structures or open-cell foam materials that allow bone graft material to penetrate and distribute uniformly throughout the cage structure. This ensures complete bone graft distribution while maintaining the expandable low-height insertion design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage includes nested or layered structures with channels and voids that facilitate bone graft material flow and distribution. The multi-chamber or nested design allows bone graft to be evenly distributed throughout the expanded cage structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the annulotomy is made large to accommodate a stable cage, then the cage stability is improved, but the trauma to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is segmented into collapsible components that can be inserted through a small annulotomy in a compressed state, then expanded to achieve stable cage positioning and structural support without requiring a large surgical opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage uses dynamic expansion from a compact insertion configuration to a stable final configuration. This allows the cage to pass through a minimal annulotomy and then expand to provide adequate stability and structural support.
4Ease of operation
If the cage cannot expand laterally beyond the annulotomy, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the backout problem increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage expands in multiple dimensions including lateral expansion beyond the annulotomy. The cage is inserted through a small opening in a collapsed state, then expands laterally and vertically to achieve a final configuration that prevents backout while maintaining minimal initial trauma.
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral scaffolding system is provided having a laterovertically-expanding frame operable for a reversible collapse from an expanded state into a collapsed state, the laterovertically-expanding frame having a stabilizer, one or more tensioners, or a combination of the stabilizer with one or more tensioners. The stabilizer slidably engages with the distal region of the laterovertically-expanding frame and both the stabilizer and the one or more tensioners are configured for retaining the laterovertically-expanding frame from a lateral movement that exceeds the expanded state. The expanded state, for example, can be configured to have an open graft distribution window that at least substantially closes upon the reversible collapse.