Interbody Implant Articulation Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion procedures require significant tissue removal, vertebral distraction, and complex implant handling, which can lead to mal-placement and increased surgical time due to the need for frequent release and reattachment of implants during delivery.
Innovation Solution
An interbody implant system with a distal and proximal end portion, featuring a first articulation surface that interfaces with a second articulation surface on an insertion instrument, allowing for a locked configuration to prevent rotation and an unlocked configuration to facilitate rotation, along with an attachment member that compresses the surfaces for secure alignment and easy repositioning without the need for frequent release and reattachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the implant is aligned posterior to anterior relative to the vertebrae but rotated along the delivery path to achieve transverse orientation at the target position, then the implant can be delivered along a curved path, but the surgeon must release and reattach the implant multiple times which extends surgical time and risks mal-placement
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member is pre-configured with an articulation surface that interfaces with the implant's articulation surface, establishing a locked configuration before delivery begins. This preliminary locking mechanism allows the implant to be rotated along the curved delivery path without requiring release and reattachment, as the locked configuration maintains secure attachment while permitting controlled rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment member transitions between locked and unlocked configurations dynamically during the delivery process. The locked configuration secures the implant during rotation along the curved path, while the ability to unlock allows for final positioning and release at the target location, eliminating the need for multiple release-reattach cycles.
2Ease of manufacture
If the surgeon uses impactors to push and position the implant, then implant placement can be achieved, but the process becomes difficult and sometimes unsuccessful
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member serves as an intermediary between the delivery instrument and the implant, providing a controlled mechanism for transferring the implant to its final position. Instead of using impactors that directly push the implant, the attachment member mediates the transfer through its unlocked configuration, allowing precise positioning without difficult impaction maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment member's unlocked configuration allows the implant to be self-positioned through the curved delivery path without requiring external forcing tools like impactors. The implant follows the curved path and positions itself at the target location, eliminating the need for difficult and sometimes unsuccessful impaction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the articulation surfaces are locked together with compression force, then rotation between surfaces is prevented, but the implant cannot be repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked configurations. In the locked configuration, compression force prevents rotation between articulation surfaces, providing stability. When unlocked, the same attachment member allows rotation and repositioning of the implant, enabling adaptability. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between stability and repositioning capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Interbody implant systems and methods of implant interbody implants are described. In one aspect, an implant includes a body have a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and a first articulation surface formed at a proximal end of the proximal end portion, An insertion instrument includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; and a second articulation surface formed at a distal end of the distal end portion. The second articulation surface is configured to interface with the first articulation surface. An attachment member is configured to connect the implant to the insertion instrument. The attachment member is actuatable to compress the first and second articulation surfaces together in a locked configuration with sufficient force to prevent relative rotation between the first and second articulation surfaces. The attachment member is actuatable to reduce an amount of compression force existing in the locked configuration to place the first and second articulation surfaces in an unlocked configuration such that the first articulation surface can rotate relative to the second articulation surface.