Intervertebral Prosthetic Device with Flexible Intermediate Segment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral prosthetic devices are relatively stiff, lacking sufficient shock absorption and durability, and often suffer from high fatigue, which can lead to inadequate spinal stabilization and potential dislocation or migration after implantation.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic device featuring a flexible, soft body member with curved notches and laterally extending channels or grooves, combined with inserts of varying stiffness and material, providing excellent shock absorption and compressive strength, and incorporating tethering mechanisms for secure attachment to vertebrae.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If existing intervertebral prosthetic devices are used, then spinal support is provided, but the devices are relatively stiff and cannot flex to accommodate the vertebrate, resulting in insufficient shock absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic device is divided into multiple segments including a first body portion, a second body portion, and an intermediate portion connecting them. This segmentation allows each segment to move independently, providing flexibility while maintaining overall structural support for the spine.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate portion is designed to flex relative to the first and second body portions, allowing the device to dynamically adapt to vertebral movement and shock loads. This dynamic capability enables the device to accommodate vertebrate flexion while maintaining spinal support.
2Reliability
If existing intervertebral prosthetic devices are used, then spinal stabilization is attempted, but the devices suffer from relatively high fatigue, leading to inadequate durability
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates portions with different flexural rigidities (stiffness parameters) to optimize performance. The intermediate portion has lower flexural rigidity to absorb shock and reduce fatigue, while the end body portions have higher rigidity to maintain stabilization. This parameter differentiation allows the device to withstand repeated loading cycles without fatigue failure.
3Length of stationary object
If existing intervertebral prosthetic devices are used, then intervertebral space maintenance is achieved, but the devices are relatively stiff and do not provide sufficient shock absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate portion is designed to flex dynamically in response to shock loads, allowing the device to absorb energy through controlled deformation. This dynamic flexing maintains the intervertebral space while providing sufficient shock absorption by converting impact energy into elastic deformation energy.
4Strength
If existing intervertebral prosthetic devices are used, then spinal support is provided, but the devices may dislocate or migrate after implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a flexible intermediate portion that can deform to accommodate implantation while maintaining secure positioning. The flexible nature allows the device to conform to the implantation site, reducing the risk of dislocation or migration while maintaining spinal support through the rigid end portions.
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 high shock absorption, anatomical fit, and low fatigue characteristics, allowing for customizable stiffness and improved durability, thereby enhancing spinal stabilization and reducing the risk of dislocation or migration.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible, soft body member with curved notches and laterally extending channels or grooves, combined with inserts of varying stiffness and material, providing excellent shock absorption and compressive strength
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A prosthetic device (60) and method of inserting same between adjacent spinal processes, according to which a first member (62) of a relatively flexible material is adapted to extend between the spinal processes; and at least one second member (64, 66) of a relatively stiff material is supported by the first member. According to one embodiment, the second member comprises two u-shaped inserts having spaced legs (64b, 64c, 66b, 66c) which are inserted in grooves (62c, 62d) located in the front and rear face of the first member.