Intervertebral Prosthetic Device Pedicle Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intervertebral prosthetic devices require support from both spinous processes for implantation, making it impossible to implant them when one or both spinous processes are removed, as in cases of spinal fusion or decompression procedures.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic device designed to be implanted between two adjacent vertebrae, at least one of which lacks a spinous process, utilizing a spacer with notches and an insert that can be secured to the pedicles with screws and tethers for stabilization, allowing for motion stabilization without relying on spinous processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an intervertebral prosthetic device is designed to be supported between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae, then the device can provide motion stabilization and prevent collapse of the intervertebral space, but it becomes impossible to implant the device when one or both spinous processes are removed during spinal fusion or decompression procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the dependency on spinous processes from the implantation system by removing the spinous processes as support structures and replacing them with pedicle-based anchoring. The prosthetic device is redesigned to interface with the pedicles and vertebral bodies rather than requiring spinous processes, thereby eliminating the constraint that prevented implantation when spinous processes were absent.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic device achieves universality by being capable of implantation in both scenarios: when spinous processes are present and when they are absent. The device incorporates multiple anchoring options including pedicle screws and vertebral body interfaces, allowing it to function reliably regardless of the presence or absence of spinous processes, thus adapting to different surgical conditions and patient anatomies.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the laminae and spinous process are removed to achieve proper decompression or fusion, then nerve root impingement is relieved and pain is reduced, but the ability to implant traditional intervertebral prosthetic devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces pedicle screws and vertebral body interfaces as intermediary structures that serve as alternative support mechanisms. These intermediaries replace the function of spinous processes in providing stable anchoring for the prosthetic device, allowing implantation to proceed even when the original support structures (spinous processes) have been removed during decompression or fusion procedures.
3Device complexity
If traditional intervertebral prosthetic devices require support from both spinous processes, then the device structure is simple and implantation is straightforward, but the device cannot be implanted when spinous processes are absent
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic device is segmented into multiple functional components with distinct anchoring mechanisms. Instead of relying on a single support structure (spinous processes), the device is divided into separate elements that can interface with different vertebral structures (pedicles, vertebral bodies), allowing flexible configuration based on the presence or absence of spinous processes while maintaining overall device functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic device for insertion in a spinal column includes a first, second, and third members. The first member includes an inferiorly extending tab and is of a relatively flexible material. The second member includes a superiorly extending tab and is of a relatively flexible material. The third member defines a superior opening for receiving the inferiorly extending tab and an inferior opening for receiving the superiorly extending tab and is of a relatively stiff material. The device also includes a means for providing a rigid connection of the third member to a vertebra.