Intervertebral Implant C-Shaped Elements Bone Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral implants lack sufficient strength and a large, continuous area of contact with vertebral bodies, leading to instability and inefficient bone fusion, particularly in adapting to the shape of the vertebral column and maintaining bone grafts in the correct location during reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
An intervertebral implant comprising two C-shaped longitudinal elements with a solid axis and outwardly directed longitudinal recesses for holding grafts, allowing for optimal force transmission and bone fusion, with adjustable length and a compact shape for easy manufacturing and precise graft placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the implant is made with a solid hollow body filled with bone grafts, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the area of contact with vertebral bodies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The implant body is divided into two separate C-shaped elements that are placed back to back, creating a segmented structure that maintains strength while increasing contact area through the recesses formed between the elements
Solution Approach 2:
The C-shaped elements are nested back to back to form a solid axis structure, where the inner surface of one C-element contacts the outer surface of the other, creating a compact strong structure with additional contact surfaces
2Stability of the object's composition
If the implant has a large area of contact with vertebral bodies, then the stability is improved, but the mechanical strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is segmented into two C-shaped elements that work together to provide both stability through increased contact area and strength through the solid axis formation
Solution Approach 2:
The implant combines the structural strength of the solid axis formed by C-shaped elements with the bone graft material filled in the recesses, creating a composite structure that achieves both stability and strength
3Reliability
If the implant uses a cylindrical or oval cage shape, then the bone fusion is enabled, but the holding shape for bone grafts is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical cage is segmented into two C-shaped elements that form a solid axis, creating longitudinal recesses that naturally hold bone grafts in the correct location while maintaining the circular cross-section needed for bone fusion
Solution Approach 2:
The C-shaped elements provide different local qualities: the solid axis provides structural strength and stability, while the recesses provide graft holding capability, and the outer surface provides contact area for bone fusion
4Area of stationary object
If the implant is filled with compacted grafts all around the axis, then the circumferential area of contact is increased, but the operation time is lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The C-shaped elements are pre-formed with integrated recesses that are ready to receive bone grafts, eliminating the need for intraoperative formation of graft containment structures and reducing operation time
Data Source
AI summary
This implant (1) for osseous fusion is intended to be inserted between two adjacent vertebral bodies (4) of a spinal column. It comprises a main body (2) having at least two longitudinal elements of C-shaped contour (2a, 2b) placed back to back and defining:—a solid axis (9), formed by the junction zone of said elements (2a, 2b) and suitable for being positioned parallel to the spinal column and for transmitting the stresses between the two adjacent vertebral bodies, and—at least two longitudinal apertures (6), suitable for holding grafts, oriented outward with respect to said solid axis (9).