Intervertebral Fusion Insertion Instrument Linkage for Endplate Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insertion instruments for intervertebral fusion devices, particularly those used in ALIF procedures, face issues with misalignment of superior and inferior endplates during the insertion of core components, leading to potential misalignment of vertebrae and increased surgical trauma due to larger incisions.
Innovation Solution
The insertion instrument features a mechanical linkage arrangement with arm hinges and linkage arms that allow for controlled movement and alignment of superior and inferior supports, reducing the likelihood of endplate misalignment and minimizing surgical incision size through symmetrical and balanced force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a modular intervertebral fusion device is inserted using conventional insertion instruments, then the device can be positioned in the intervertebral space, but misalignment of superior and inferior endplates occurs during core component insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion instrument incorporates movable arms with arm hinges that allow dynamic adjustment during the insertion process. The superior and inferior arms can move relative to each other while maintaining engagement with the endplates, enabling the instrument to adapt to anatomical variations and maintain alignment precision throughout the procedure rather than being rigid and fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the superior and inferior arms. This linkage transmits and coordinates movement between the arms, ensuring that when one arm moves, the other arm moves in a corresponding manner to maintain proper alignment of the endplates throughout the insertion process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger intervertebral devices are inserted to accommodate modular components, then more correction capability is achieved, but surgical incision size and surgical trauma increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intervertebral fusion device is divided into separate modular components (superior endplate, inferior endplate, and core component) that can be inserted separately through a smaller incision. The insertion instrument is designed to manipulate these segmented components individually, allowing the surgeon to insert each component through a minimally accessible incision while still achieving the corrective capability of a larger device.
Solution Approach 2:
The core component is inserted nested within the space between the superior and inferior endplates. The insertion instrument facilitates this nested insertion by holding the endplates in position while guiding the core component into the intervertebral space, allowing the components to be assembled in situ through a small incision rather than requiring a large incision for complete device insertion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distal ends of arms are moved to engage intervertebral devices of different height and angle, then various device configurations are accommodated, but alignment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The arm hinges enable the superior and inferior arms to dynamically adjust their positions and angles during the procedure. This dynamic capability allows the arms to engage with intervertebral devices of varying heights and angles while the mechanical linkage maintains coordinated movement, preserving alignment precision across different device configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion instrument allows for changes in geometric parameters (height, angle, position) of the arms through the arm hinges and mechanical linkage. These parameter changes enable the instrument to adapt to different intervertebral device specifications while maintaining precise alignment through the coordinated mechanical relationship between the arms and linkage.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~3B
AI summary
An insertion instrument comprising opposing superior and inferior supports mounted respectively on a superior and inferior hinged arms configured to engage at a modular intervertebral fusion device or its component and a mechanical linkage arrangement extending therebetween. the distal ends of the arms are configured to engage at a modular intervertebral fusion device or its component. The mechanical linkage arrangement comprises first to fourth linkage arms. Distal ends of the first and second linkage arms are rotatably coupled to the superior support at spaced apart locations thereon for relative translation of superior support and respective distal end to thereby change a separation between the distal ends of the respective linkage arms. The first to fourth linkage arms are mechanically coupled to one another each at a location on the respective linkage arm spaced apart from its distal end whereby a separation is changeable between a) and b), where a) is the distal ends of the first and second linkage arms and b) is the distal ends of the third and fourth linkage arms.