Intervertebral Implant Bi-Concave Core Universal Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral implants provide limited universal movement between adjacent vertebrae, which is insufficient for addressing the needs of patients with degenerative disc disease, particularly in terms of enhanced motion and preservation of spinal stability.
Innovation Solution
A new intervertebral implant device comprising two end plates with convex articulating surfaces and a bi-concave core element, allowing for universal motion, horizontal translation, and limited movement by abutting surfaces within grooves, which can be inserted as a single piece or individual components, preserving anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior intervertebral implants are used, then spinal stability is maintained, but universal movement between adjacent vertebrae is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into three separate components: an upper end plate, a lower end plate, and a core element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide both stability and enhanced universal movement between vertebrae
Solution Approach 2:
The core element features a bi-concave geometry with concave surfaces that articulate with convex surfaces on the end plates. This dynamic articulating surface design enables universal motion in multiple directions while maintaining spinal stability through controlled movement
2Reliability
If total disc replacement is performed, then spinal stability is achieved, but natural nucleus movement is lost and ligaments are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and replaces only the nucleus pulposus function through the core element, while preserving the natural annulus fibrosus and ligamentous structures. This selective replacement maintains natural motion patterns and spinal stability without requiring total disc replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-concave core element changes the geometric parameters of the articulating surfaces to replicate natural nucleus movement patterns. The concave-convex interface geometry mimics the movement characteristics of a natural intervertebral disc nucleus, enabling physiological motion while providing structural support
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral implant device includes an upper part, a lower part and a core element. The upper part includes an upper surface for engaging a vertebrae and a lower surface which includes a convex portion. The lower part includes a lower surface for engaging a vertebrae and an upper surface having a convex portion. The core element has an upper concave portion to operatively engage with the convex portion on the upper part and a lower concave portion to operatively engage with the convex portion of the lower part. Limited universal movement and translational movement is provided between the upper part and lower part.