Interbody Implant Fixation With Deployable Teeth and Locked Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic implants face challenges in achieving sufficient fixation and load transfer between vertebral bodies, leading to inadequate bone growth and potential expulsion due to insufficient contact area and micro-motions, especially in cases of low bone mineral density or aggressive discectomies.
Innovation Solution
The development of an interbody implant system with deployable teeth and a locking mechanism, utilizing additive manufacturing to create patient-specific designs that enhance fixation by deploying teeth after implantation for secure engagement with vertebral bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard size implants are used, then ease of manufacture and inventory management are improved, but fixation strength and load transfer are insufficient leading to implant expulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from fixed standard implant sizes to variable custom-fit dimensions. The implant system enables adjustment of length, width, and curvature parameters to match patient-specific anatomy, thereby optimizing fixation strength and load transfer while preventing implant expulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating implants with site-specific properties tailored to each patient's unique anatomy. The custom-fit design allows different regions of the implant to have optimized characteristics for local bone density, curvature, and contact area requirements, improving overall fixation strength.
2Area of stationary object
If larger contact area is provided, then load transfer and fixation are improved, but device complexity and insertion difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating a deployment mechanism that transforms the implant from a compact insertion configuration to an expanded fixation configuration. The implant is inserted in a low-profile state and then deployed in situ to achieve maximum contact area, simplifying the insertion process while maintaining large surface area for load transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by designing the implant to be contained within an insertion device or delivery system. The implant is nested in a compressed or folded state during insertion, then deployed to its full expanded configuration to provide large contact area with the vertebral bodies.
3Reliability
If micro-motions are minimized, then bone growth is promoted, but fixation mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fixation function into multiple independent elements such as anterior and posterior teeth, lateral wings, or modular fixation features. These segmented elements work together to distribute and minimize micro-motions across the implant-bone interface, promoting bone growth without requiring a single complex fixation mechanism.
4Strength
If patient-specific designs are created, then fixation and load transfer are enhanced, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing patient-specific planning and design before the surgical procedure. Imaging data is collected and used to create a custom implant design in advance, allowing time for manufacturing while the patient is being prepared for surgery. This eliminates delays during the surgical procedure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using patient-specific anatomical measurements to define implant dimensions, curvature, and fixation feature locations. These parameters are determined through preoperative imaging and planning, enabling custom-fit implants that optimize fixation strength while streamlining the manufacturing process through parametric design.
Data Source
AI summary
An interbody implant system for use in the spine includes a base comprising two or more bone contacting surfaces, at least one recess in at least one of the two or more bone contacting surfaces, the recess configured for containing a tooth, a deployable tooth to provide fixation between the base and the anatomy of a subject, a break-away bridge between the tooth and the base for providing a first relative position between the tooth and the base, and a locking mechanism for providing a second relative position between the tooth and the base.