Interbody Fusion Cage With Curved Anchors to Prevent Backout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fixation devices face challenges in providing sufficient structural integrity and stability during the fusion process, as well as maintaining secure placement before bone ingrowth, which affects the longevity and success of spinal fusion procedures.
Innovation Solution
A standalone interbody spinal system with a cage and anchors that utilize curved channels and resilient members to secure anchors within the cage, allowing for simultaneous deployment and extraction, enhancing stability and preventing anchor backout, while utilizing materials like Titanium and PEEK for durability and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional interbody spacers are used with exterior plates, then spinal segments can be immobilized and stabilized, but the device complexity increases and the surgical procedure becomes more invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the interbody spacer and fixation anchors into a single integrated device. The cage includes integrated anchor receptacles that receive anchors, eliminating the need for separate exterior plates. This merging of components reduces device complexity while maintaining the stabilization function through the unified structure of the cage-anchor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the exterior plate component from the traditional fixation system and replaces it with anchors integrated into the cage structure. By removing the separate plate and relying on the cage's own anchor-receiving capability, the device complexity is reduced while achieving the same immobilization and stabilization objectives.
2Reliability
If robust fixation systems are used to ensure structural integrity during fusion, then the risk of implant failure is reduced, but the device complexity and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-formed anchor receptacles into the cage structure before implantation. The anchors are designed to be received and secured within these pre-prepared receptacles, eliminating the need for complex intraoperative assembly or additional fixation steps. This preliminary preparation of the anchor-receiving structure reduces surgical time while maintaining robust fixation integrity.
3Reliability
If anchors are secured within the cage using resilient members, then anchor retention is improved and backout is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resilient members that automatically engage with the anchors upon insertion into the cage receptacles. The elastic nature of these members provides self-locking retention without requiring additional fastening operations or complex securing mechanisms. The anchors are retained through the self-exerting elastic force of the resilient members, simplifying the overall device while ensuring reliable anchor retention.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple channels and resilient members are used for anchor deployment, then anchor placement precision is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the anchor deployment function into separate curved channels within the cage, each dedicated to guiding a specific anchor along a predetermined path. This segmentation of the deployment mechanism provides precise control over anchor placement while maintaining ease of operation, as each channel independently guides its anchor without requiring complex coordination of multiple moving parts.
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
The system provides enhanced structural integrity and stability, facilitating faster fusion by ensuring anchor retention and reducing procedural time, thereby improving the success and longevity of spinal fusion.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member comprising a resilient first arm that projects across a portion of the first channel and a resilient second arm that projects across a portion of the second channel
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment includes an orthopedic fusion system comprising: a cage; a curved first channel coupling a lateral wall of the cage to a superior surface of the cage; a curved second channel coupling the lateral wall of the cage to an inferior surface of the cage; a third channel coupling the superior surface of the cage to the inferior surface of the cage; a curved first anchor configured to slide within the first channel; a curved second anchor configured to slide within the second channel; and a resilient member comprising a resilient first arm that projects across a portion of the first channel and a resilient second arm that projects across a portion of the second channel. Other embodiments are described herein.