Intervertebral Disk Prosthesis Guide Ridge Groove Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intervertebral disk prostheses lack the ability to adjust physiological motion in anterior-posterior and lateral directions, as well as rotation around the vertical body axis, and do not prevent the slip-out of the intermediate sliding plate without using an instrument.
Innovation Solution
A three-part intervertebral disk prosthesis with an upper and lower plate and an intermediate sliding plate, featuring a guide ridge that slides within a guide groove for straight-line motion, and articulating convexity and concavity surfaces for limited extension, flexion, lateral bending, and axial rotation, with a design that prevents the intermediate plate from slipping out by using a dovetail or T-section formation and body stops for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If curved articulation surfaces are used in the prosthesis, then the prosthesis can achieve limited range of motion in extension and flexion, but the prosthesis cannot adjust physiological motion in anterior-posterior and lateral directions nor prevent slip-out of the intermediate sliding plate
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into three separate plates (upper, intermediate, and lower) that can move independently relative to each other. The intermediate sliding plate is segmented with a guide ridge that can be retained in the guide groove, allowing it to move in controlled directions while preventing slip-out. This segmentation enables multi-directional motion adjustment while maintaining structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide ridge acts as an intermediary element between the intermediate sliding plate and the guide groove. It mediates the interaction by providing a retention mechanism that prevents the intermediate plate from slipping out while still allowing controlled motion. The guide ridge with its retention features serves as the intermediary that resolves the contradiction between motion freedom and structural stability.
2Reliability
If the pivot directly limits the range of extension and flexion as well as lateral bending, then the prosthesis achieves stability in these directions, but the prosthesis lacks the ability to adjust physiological motion in multiple directions
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis transitions from a static pivot-based limitation to a dynamic guide ridge and guide groove system. The guide ridge can slide within the guide groove, allowing the range of motion to be adjusted dynamically based on physiological requirements. This dynamic mechanism maintains stability while enabling adaptability in multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension to motion control by introducing the guide ridge that can move within the guide groove in multiple directions. This dimensional addition allows the prosthesis to control motion not just in extension and flexion, but also in anterior-posterior and lateral directions, providing comprehensive physiological motion adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a three-part prosthesis with intermediate sliding plate is used, then the prosthesis can provide comprehensive motion adjustment, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide ridge and guide groove are merged into an integrated retention mechanism that combines multiple functions into a single structural element. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive motion adjustment capability, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide ridge serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the intermediate sliding plate, retains it within the guide groove, and enables controlled motion in multiple directions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining comprehensive motion adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral disk prostheses for the total replacement of an intervertebral disk of the lumbar and cervical spine has an upper plate having upwardly projecting formations anchoring it to an upper vertebra on its upper face and a concavity on its inner face surrounded by an edge. A lower plate is provided with downwardly projecting formations anchoring it to a lower vertebra on its lower face and a flat inner face surrounding a groove extending front-to-back. A middle plate between the upper and lower plate has on its upper face a convexity that is identically or differently shaped to the concavity on the inner face of the upper plate and a ridge extending front-to-back surrounded by a flat lower face of the middle plate. The ridge has flanks and the groove houses the ridge of the middle plate and permits the ridge to slide front-to-back in the groove.