Interlocking Spinal Disc Prosthetic for Motion Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic spinal discs are often large, inflexible, and lack resistance to over-extension or rotation, leading to inadequate motion restoration and increased stress on adjacent discs after vertebral fusion.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic spinal disc with interlocking u-shaped components that articulate and resist over-extension and over-rotation, mimicking the natural motion of a healthy spinal disc by allowing sliding and rotational movement while preventing excessive joint movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fusion methods are used, then stability is improved, but motion restoration deteriorates and adjacent disc stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic disc is divided into two separate endplate components that can articulate relative to each other, allowing independent movement of each vertebra while maintaining overall stability. This segmentation enables natural spinal motion while preventing excessive movement that would cause instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating surfaces of the endplate components are designed with specific geometric parameters (curvature, orientation, contact area) that change during motion to maintain stable articulation while allowing physiological ranges of movement. The interlocking features have optimized dimensions that permit motion within safe limits while blocking excessive movement.
2Reliability
If current prosthetic spinal discs are used, then replacement function is provided, but flexibility and resistance to over-extension deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic disc transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic system where the two endplate components can move relative to each other within controlled limits. This dynamic articulation allows the prosthesis to adapt to physiological demands while maintaining reliability through mechanical constraints that prevent over-extension.
3Reliability
If current prosthetic spinal discs are used, then disc replacement is achieved, but resistance to over-rotation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking features between the two endplate components are designed with preliminary geometric constraints that actively prevent over-rotation before it can occur. The shaped interfaces and mechanical stops create inherent resistance to excessive rotational movement, counteracting the tendency toward instability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If vertebral fusion is performed, then pain relief is achieved, but stress on adjacent discs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic disc serves itself by maintaining physiological motion at the treated level, which automatically prevents the compensatory mechanisms that would otherwise increase stress on adjacent discs. The device's inherent articulation design ensures proper load distribution without requiring external intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged disc between two vertebrae of a spine. The present invention also relates to prosthetic spinal disc designs that have interlocking components.