Stand-alone Interbody Fixation System with Counter-Rotating Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fusion methods require external plates to stabilize the intervertebral space during fusion, which can lead to distraction and disruption of bone ingrowth, causing pain and instability.
Innovation Solution
A stand-alone interbody fixation system with a cage and counter-rotating anterior and posterior fixation blades that integrate a fixation feature, allowing for secure stabilization of adjacent vertebrae without external support, suitable for ALIF, PLIF, and TLIF procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an exterior plate is used with the interbody spacer to hold the adjacent vertebrae, then the stability during fusion is improved, but the device complexity increases and the spinal extension distraction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the interbody spacer and fixation plates into a single integrated unit. The fixation plates are built into the spacer structure, eliminating the need for separate external plates. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining stability during fusion by providing built-in fixation features that hold the adjacent vertebrae in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system is divided into multiple functional segments: the interbody spacer component and the fixation plate components are integrated but can be independently designed and positioned. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a unified system, reducing overall complexity.
2Strength
If an exterior plate is used to stabilize the intervertebral space, then the fixation strength is improved, but the spinal extension distraction increases causing pain
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the fixation plates into the spacer structure, the system provides fixation strength without requiring separate external plates that could cause spinal extension distraction. The integrated design ensures that the fixation features are positioned to stabilize the intervertebral space without creating harmful distraction forces.
3Device complexity
If a stand-alone interbody fixation system is used without external plates, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability during fusion may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves reduced device complexity by merging the interbody spacer and fixation plates into a single integrated unit. This integration does not compromise stability during fusion because the fixation plates are built into the spacer structure, providing the necessary fixation features to hold the adjacent vertebrae in place without requiring separate external components.
Data Source
AI summary
A stand-alone interbody fixation system having a cage, anterior fixation blade and posterior fixation blade. The cage includes an annular side wall with an open interior and upper and lower surfaces, the cage being configured to fit between end plates of adjacent vertebrae. The anterior fixation blade includes an anterior alignment boss with two opposing outward extending anterior blades with end plate penetrating tips configured to fit within the open interior of the cage. The posterior fixation blade includes a posterior alignment boss with two opposing outward extending posterior blades with end plate penetrating tips configured to fit within the open interior of the cage. The anterior alignment boss and posterior alignment boss being rotatably coupled to each other and with a first opening and a second opening in the annular side wall opposite the first opening. The anterior and posterior fixation blades are counter-rotating blades and the anterior alignment boss and posterior alignment boss are configured to receive or engage a blade activation tool having an anterior engagement portion and a posterior engagement portion configured to rotate the anterior and posterior fixation blades from a stowed position to a deployed condition.