Expandable Intervertebral Cage Flexures for Larger Fusion Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive intervertebral fusion procedures are limited by the size of the surgical access, which restricts the size of implants that can be inserted, affecting the stability and area for bone growth, and existing expandable devices are limited in transverse footprint.
Innovation Solution
An expandable intervertebral body fusion device with a unitary monolithic body and flexure members that mediolaterally expand from a compressed to an expanded configuration, providing a larger footprint and incorporating locking mechanisms to prevent overexpansion, allowing multiple cycles of expansion and collapse for precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a minimally invasive surgical approach is used, then patient recovery time and discomfort are reduced, but the size of the implant that can be inserted is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed with expandable body segments connected by flexures, allowing it to be inserted in a compressed state and then expanded in situ to a larger volume. This dynamic transformation enables the implant to achieve the desired final size while still being inserted through a minimally invasive access point.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant structure allows smaller components to be nested within larger ones during insertion, with the expandable body segments collapsing into a compact configuration that can be inserted through a small incision, then expanding to their full size within the disc space.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the surgical access size is limited, then the procedure remains minimally invasive, but the transverse footprint of the device is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a compressed low-footprint configuration during insertion to an expanded high-footprint configuration in the final position, allowing a large transverse footprint to be achieved without requiring a large surgical access.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the implant is made larger to increase stability and bone growth area, then fusion outcomes are improved, but the difficulty of minimally invasive insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant's ability to dynamically change size allows it to be inserted in a small, manageable configuration and then expanded to the larger size needed for stability and bone growth, resolving the conflict between insertion ease and final stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is divided into multiple expandable body segments that can be independently manipulated during insertion and then expanded to provide a large stable base for bone growth and fusion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves enhanced stability and bone growth area within the disc space by expanding to a larger footprint while preventing damage through multiple cycles of expansion and collapse, ensuring precise placement and reduced complications.
Implementation Method 1
a unitary monolithic body having a plurality of body segments coupled to each other with flexure members
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for intervertebral body fusion that provide more robust support within the disc space. Intervertebral body fusion devices can have a unitary monolithic body including a plurality of body segments interconnected with each other by flexure members. Devices may be configured to be inserted through an opening in a compressed configuration and then expanded within the disc space to an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, devices can have a greater mediolateral or transverse footprint with regard to the disc space. This wider footprint provides greater support for the vertebrae relative to the size of the opening through which the device is inserted. In the event the device must be expanded or compressed multiple times during the insertion process, the flexures of the device are resistant to failure or fracture.