Interbody Fusion Implant Guides for Base Member Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interbody fusion implant systems face challenges in assembling the closure member with the base member due to deformation of the base member during insertion, which causes misalignment and difficulties in coupling, especially in lateral or anterolateral operations where anatomical constraints limit exposure and size.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a base member with integrated guides that extend outside the surgical site, allowing for alignment and registration of the closure member, which features elongated portions with locking mechanisms and keyed profiles to securely attach the closure member, facilitating assembly even in constrained anatomical spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the base member is made compliant with a modulus of elasticity close to human bone, then it can be inserted into the intervertebral space, but it deforms under pressure causing misalignment of mating parts
Solution Approach 1:
The guides are attached to the base member before insertion into the intervertebral space. These guides extend beyond the base member and maintain their structural integrity during insertion, providing a reference framework that compensates for the base member's deformation. The guides are positioned to align with corresponding features on the closure member, ensuring that even if the base member deforms, the mating parts remain aligned through the guidance provided by these pre-attached elements.
2Length of moving object
If the base member length is increased to span the intervertebral space, then it can maintain vertebral separation, but deformation becomes more pronounced causing greater misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The guides serve as intermediary elements between the base member and the closure member. They extend beyond the deforming base member and provide a stable reference structure that mediates the connection between the two components. The guides include alignment features such as keys or shaped cross-sections that engage with corresponding features on the closure member, ensuring precise alignment is maintained despite the base member's deformation under load or during insertion.
3Ease of manufacture
If a two-piece cage design is used to facilitate assembly, then it allows in-situ coupling, but the deformation of the base member makes coupling more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guides act as intermediary structures that facilitate the coupling operation. They extend beyond the base member and provide external reference points that can be accessed and aligned with the closure member. The guides include features such as keys, slots, or shaped cross-sections that guide the closure member into proper alignment with the base member, making the coupling process easier despite the base member's deformation. This allows the two-piece design to remain assembly-friendly even in the constrained environment of the intervertebral space.
Data Source
AI summary
An interbody fusion implant system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a base member, a first guide, a second guide, and a closure member with a first thru-bore and a second thru-bore. The base member includes a first side wall, a second side wall, and an end wall to define an open trailing end and an interior bounded by the side walls and the end wall. Each guide includes length and has a first portion attached to the proximal end of the first side wall and a second portion extending freely away from the first portion. The closure member includes a first thru-bore configured to be received by the first guide to align the closure member with the first side wall and a second thru-bore configured to be received by the second guide to align the closure member with the second side wall.