Adjustable Fusion Cage Tabs for Minimally Invasive Vertebral Bracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fusion cage technologies for spinal vertebrae require invasive surgical procedures, leading to long recovery periods.
Innovation Solution
A bone fusion device with extendable tabs and adjustable extension assemblies for arthroscopic insertion, allowing for precise fitting and angulation to vertebrae, facilitated by worm gears and drive screws for controlled expansion and contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fusion cages are inserted using invasive surgical procedures, then structural stability and bone fusion are achieved, but patient recovery time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion cage is designed with a nested structure where the cage body is inserted first through a minimally invasive approach, and then the tabs are extended outward from within the cage body to engage the vertebrae. This nesting allows the device to be inserted through a small incision while still providing the stability of traditional fusion cages.
Solution Approach 2:
The fusion cage transitions from a static, fixed-size structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The tabs can be extended or retracted based on surgical needs, allowing the device to adapt its configuration after insertion. This dynamic capability enables minimally invasive insertion while maintaining the ability to provide stable bone fusion.
2Ease of manufacture
If fusion cages are made with fixed size and shape, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different vertebral configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion cage is divided into distinct functional segments: the main cage body and the extendable tabs. This segmentation allows the tabs to be independently adjusted to different positions and angles, enabling customization for different vertebral configurations while keeping the manufacturing of each component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are designed to be extendable and adjustable rather than fixed, transforming the cage from a static structure to a dynamic one. This allows the same basic cage design to adapt to various vertebral sizes, shapes, and anatomical variations without requiring multiple custom-manufactured components.
3Reliability
If tabs are extended to increase surface area for bone fusion, then fusion stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tab extension mechanism is designed to be self-contained within the cage body. The tabs utilize the cage structure itself as part of the extension mechanism, eliminating the need for separate complex external mechanisms. This self-service approach allows tab extension while minimizing additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension mechanism is merged with the cage body structure itself. The tabs are integrated into the cage design, using the cage walls and structure as part of the extension system. This merging reduces the need for separate, complex extension mechanisms and simplifies the overall device design.
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
Enables minimally invasive surgery with improved stability and surface area for bone fusion, reducing recovery time and enhancing surgical success.
Implementation Method 1
The bone fusion device comprises a body, a tab, a tab extension assembly including a worm gear and a drive screw. The worm gear is coupled to the drive screw such that rotation of the drive screw results in extension of the tab.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fusion device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises at least one extendable tab and one or more tab extension assemblies. Each tab extension assembly is able to be adjusted in order to individually control the extension or contraction of a side of the tab thereby enabling adjustment of the height and/or angle of the tab with respect to the body of the bone fusion device. Each tab extension assembly is able to be individually adjusted such that the side controlled by each assembly is raised or lowered until the desired tab angle is achieved. The tab is advantageously positioned and angled to correspond to the vertebrae to help brace the device until the bone has fused.