Intervertebral Implant Form-Fit Locking for Multi-Angle Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral implants and insertion devices lack versatility and stability during spinal fusion surgeries, particularly in challenging anatomical conditions, and often require excessive force due to reliance on friction-based connections.
Innovation Solution
The intervertebral implant features a form-fit connection with the insertion device, allowing pivoting and locking at multiple angles, enhancing safety and adaptability for various surgical techniques, including TLIF, ALIF, and lateral interbody fusion, through a robust form-fit connection and guiding surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a force-fit connection based on friction is used between the insertion device and the intervertebral implant, then the device can be inserted, but the connection lacks robustness and stability during insertion where large forces are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into discrete pivot positions with form-fit engagement features, allowing the insertion device to lock at specific angular positions rather than relying on continuous friction-based force-fit connection. This segmentation provides stable locking at predetermined angles while reducing the force needed for insertion.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed position connection is used between the insertion device and the intervertebral implant, then insertion is simplified, but the ability to adjust or correct the position of the implant after insertion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic multi-position locking mechanism. The insertion device can pivot between multiple angular positions and lock at each position using form-fit connections, enabling both simple initial insertion and subsequent position adjustments or corrections while maintaining secure connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single intervertebral implant design is used, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but the ability to accommodate different access paths and surgical techniques is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The intervertebral implant incorporates multiple different surfaces on its outer peripheral side, each configured to define different pivot angles for form-fit connection with the insertion device. This universal design allows a single implant to accommodate various access paths and surgical techniques (TLIF, ALIF, lateral approaches) without requiring multiple implant variants, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing surgical versatility.
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
This design enables secure insertion and post-insertion adjustments, accommodating diverse surgical approaches and anatomical challenges, improving surgical precision and safety by preventing rotation while allowing flexible positioning.
Implementation Method 1
the intervertebral implant may have at least one guiding surface for pivoting of the intervertebral implant and the insertion device relative to each other along the guiding surface, and for frictional clamping of the implant and the insertion device with respect to each other at a particular position along the cooperating guiding surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral implant includes a body with a first face, a second face connected to the first face, and an axis of rotation. The body defines a hollow space for connecting to an insertion device, the hollow space being accessible through an opening formed between the first and second faces. The opening is elongate and extends around the axis of rotation to facilitate pivoting of the implant relative to the insertion device about the axis of rotation to a first angular position and a second angular position. The implant further includes a first abutment surface that engages the insertion device in a form-fit manner at the first angular position, and a second abutment surface that engages the insertion device in a form-fit manner at the second angular position. The opening can also engage the insertion device to hold the implant at least one additional angular position.