Hinged Spinal Distractor With Pinion Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinal stabilization techniques require significant surgical skill and time, and existing implants do not efficiently allow for posterior insertion and in situ expansion to accommodate natural spinal curvature and bone growth for interbody fusion.
Innovation Solution
A hinged spinal implant comprising a distractor and an insert body with pinion-hinged upper and lower support bodies that expand in height and width, allowing for posterior insertion through a small incision and locking into position with tapered edges, facilitating interbody fusion without excising sound bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spinal stabilization techniques are used with traditional implants, then spinal fusion can be achieved, but surgical skill and time requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple segments including upper and lower support bodies connected by hinge joints, allowing independent positioning and expansion of each segment to facilitate easier surgical insertion while maintaining fusion reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The implant incorporates hinge joints with pinions and slots that enable dynamic adjustment and expansion of the implant dimensions in situ, allowing the surgeon to insert a compact form factor and then expand it to the required size within the intervertebral space
2Ease of operation
If conventional implants are inserted through posterior approach, then access to spine is obtained, but implant insertion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant utilizes a nested structure where the insert body is placed within the hollow interior volume of the distractor, and the overall assembly can be inserted through a small incision in a compact state before being expanded to full dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge joints with pinions and slots enable the implant to transition from a compact insertion configuration to an expanded operational configuration, simplifying the posterior insertion process while maintaining the ability to achieve proper spinal alignment
3Adaptability or versatility
If implant is designed to expand in situ, then natural spinal curvature is accommodated, but device structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant employs hinge joints with pinions that can rotate within slots, creating a dynamic structure capable of adapting to natural spinal curvature while maintaining controlled expansion through mechanical constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The implant allows for parameter changes in its dimensions through the pinion-slot mechanism, enabling the structure to expand or contract in controlled directions to accommodate variations in spinal curvature while maintaining structural integrity
4Adaptability or versatility
If hinged distractor with pinions and slots is used, then in situ expansion is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor is segmented into upper and lower support bodies with separate pinion components and slot structures, allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly while enabling the in situ expansion function
Solution Approach 2:
The pinion-slot mechanism provides a controlled dynamic expansion system that can be manufactured using standard precision machining techniques, balancing the need for adaptability with manufacturing feasibility
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal implant formed from a hinged distractor having an upper and lower support body that is hinged by use of pinions. An insert body is constructed and arranged to slide between the section to expand both in height and width, and to maintain a space therebetween. The insert body includes a leading edge that is tapered to allow ease of insertion. A trailing edge that extends beyond a front edge of the upper support body will cause the insert body to be locked into position. A trailing edge engages the rear of the upper support body to prevent over insertion. A lower surface of the insert body may include locking surfaces.