Interbody Spacer Locking Structure for Fastener Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interbody spacers for spinal fusion lack effective mechanisms to securely anchor and stabilize the implant within the interbody space, leading to potential dislodgment and hindered bone fusion.

Innovation Solution

The interbody spacer features fastener-receiving openings with locking mechanisms, such as locking tabs or blocking members, and fasteners with unique designs to securely anchor the spacer to adjacent vertebrae, enhancing stability and promoting bone growth through trabecular lattices and 3D structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional interbody spacers are used without locking mechanisms, then the device structure remains simple, but the spacer can be dislodged and stability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespacer stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member is disposed within the fastener-receiving opening, creating a nested configuration where the blocking member fits inside the opening to prevent fastener withdrawal while maintaining a compact overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member is pre-positioned within the fastener-receiving opening during spacer fabrication, so that when the fastener is inserted and the locking tab engages the blocking member, the prevention of withdrawal is already established without requiring additional steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If fasteners are made removable for implantation, then ease of insertion is improved, but risk of post-implantation dislodgment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastener insertionVSAvoidfastener retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener system transitions from a static removable fastener to a dynamic system where the locking tab can move along the fastener shaft during insertion, then engages with the blocking member to create a locked state that prevents withdrawal while maintaining the ability to be inserted easily

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking tab acts as an intermediary element between the fastener and the blocking member, facilitating the transition from a removable fastener to a secured fastener by engaging with the blocking member to prevent withdrawal while allowing easy insertion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260033959A1Interbody spacer for spinal fusion

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 CORELINK LLC

AI summary

An interbody spacer for spinal fusion surgery includes a body configured for insertion within an interbody space between two adjacent vertebrae. The body defines at least one fastener-receiving opening for receiving a fastener for securing the body within the interbody space. A blocking member is disposable in the fastener-receiving opening for preventing the fastener from being withdrawn from the fastener-receiving opening once the fastener has been fully inserted into the fastener-receiving opening.