Interbody Implant Insertion Guide for Correct Orientation and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal reconstructive surgery instruments face challenges such as improper implant placement due to symmetrical engagement features, instability of implants, and the need for multiple instruments, leading to potential implant failure and increased sterilization requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an insertion tool with asymmetrical prongs and a drill guide that securely engages with the insertion tool, providing rotational restraint and simplifying implant placement, along with an intervertebral implant featuring locking elements to prevent screw backout, all designed to reduce the complexity and risk of implant failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If symmetrical engagement features are used on the instrument and implant, then the implant can be engaged easily, but the implant may be engaged upside down leading to improper placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing engagement features on the implant that are asymmetric about the central longitudinal axis. Specifically, the implant includes a first engagement feature and a second engagement feature that differ in their geometric configuration, allowing the instrument to engage the implant only in the correct orientation. This prevents the implant from being engaged upside down while maintaining ease of engagement through the instrument's corresponding asymmetric engagement features.
2Device complexity
If rotational restraint is not incorporated into engagement features, then the instrument structure is simpler, but the implant may move or become unstable relative to the instrument during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric engagement features inherently provide rotational restraint by allowing engagement only in a specific orientation. The asymmetric geometry creates mechanical interlocking that prevents rotation and movement of the implant relative to the instrument during insertion, achieving stability without adding separate rotational restraint mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement features are designed to establish rotational restraint at the moment of engagement, before the insertion procedure begins. The asymmetric geometry pre-configures the instrument-implant interface to prevent movement and rotation throughout the subsequent insertion process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate instruments are used for implant placement and screw insertion, then each function can be optimized, but the number of instruments required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the implant placement instrument and screw insertion instrument into a single integrated instrument. The instrument includes an insertion portion for placing the implant and a guide portion with bores for inserting screws. This unified instrument performs both functions sequentially, reducing the total number of instruments required while maintaining functional optimization through dedicated structures for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is designed as a multi-functional tool that can perform both implant insertion and screw guidance operations. The single instrument structure incorporates features for both functions: the insertion portion for implant placement and the guide portion with aligned bores for screw insertion, allowing one instrument to serve multiple purposes in the surgical procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes an insertion tool and a drill guide. The insertion tool includes a body with a distal portion and a distal end. The body has a first engagement feature extending longitudinally along the distal portion and two arms extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body. The drill guide includes two bores and an open faced channel therebetween. The open faced channel includes a second engagement feature slidably engageable with the first engagement feature on the body of the insertion tool. The two bores are adapted for the disposal of a fastener driver tool therethrough.