Intervertebral Implant Frame Structure for Compression Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intervertebral implants face challenges in maintaining the height of the intervertebral disc space due to deformation under compression forces, risking damage to nerves and vessels, particularly with open-pore structures.
Innovation Solution
The intervertebral implant features a frame structure with self-contained inner and outer frame parts connected by support elements, which transmit forces directly into the support elements, and includes anchoring projections on the support elements to secure the implant, enhancing stability and preventing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an open-pore lattice structure is used for the intervertebral implant, then bone ingrowth is enabled, but the implant becomes prone to deformation under compression forces
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple functional components: an open-pore lattice structure for bone ingrowth and separate support elements (struts) for mechanical strength. These segments work together to provide both biocompatibility and structural integrity under compression loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant combines different structural configurations within a single device - an open-pore lattice framework integrated with solid support elements. This composite structure allows regions optimized for bone ingrowth while maintaining overall mechanical strength to resist deformation.
2Reliability
If anchoring projections are attached directly to the open-pore lattice structure, then secure anchoring is achieved, but cleaning of the implant becomes difficult due to rinsing shadows
Solution Approach 1:
Support elements serve as intermediary structures that connect the anchoring projections to the main implant body. This intermediary arrangement allows anchoring projections to be securely attached while positioning them in locations that minimize rinsing shadows and improve cleanability of the open-pore lattice structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the implant structure is made more complex to improve stability, then deformation is prevented, but the implant becomes harder to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The implant structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: stable support elements for structural integrity and open-pore lattice regions for bone ingrowth. This segmentation maintains stability while preserving cleaning accessibility in the lattice regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the implant have different structural qualities optimized for their specific functions. Support elements have solid, stable structures for mechanical strength, while lattice regions have open, accessible structures for easy cleaning and bone ingrowth.
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to improve an intervertebral implant for use in an intervertebral disc space between two neighbouring vertebral bodies of a human or animal vertebral column, wherein the intervertebral implant comprises an implant upper side which defines a first vertebral body contact surface for contacting a first vertebral body, and an implant underside which defines a second vertebral body contact surface for contacting a second vertebral body, according to the invention, such that said intervertebral implant has sufficient stability, the intervertebral implant comprises a frame structure having at least two support elements, the at least two support elements extend from the implant upper side to the implant underside, and the at least two support elements define support element longitudinal axes running transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the first and/or second vertebral body contact surface.