Intervertebral Fusion Implant with Screw Backout Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spine stabilization systems face complications such as loosening and failure of hardware, including breakage of plates and screw backout into soft tissues, due to insufficient bone purchase and instability during spinal fusion.
Innovation Solution
An intervertebral implant system that combines a spacer portion with a plate portion, featuring screw holes and a screw backout prevention mechanism, to provide enhanced stability and fusion between adjacent vertebrae, using biocompatible materials like PEEK and titanium, and a coupling mechanism to securely attach the spacer and plate, preventing screw backout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate plating systems are used with spacers, then additional stabilization is provided, but hardware loosening and failure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spacer and plate into a single integrated intervertebral implant unit. The spacer portion and plate portion are coupled together to form one cohesive device that provides both spacing and stabilization functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate plating systems and reducing hardware loosening and failure risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated implant performs multiple functions within a single device: the spacer portion maintains intervertebral disc space and promotes fusion, while the plate portion provides additional stabilization. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while improving overall system reliability.
2Reliability
If screws are used for vertebral fixation, then vertebral alignment is achieved, but screw backout into soft tissues occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a screw backout prevention mechanism that applies counter-action in advance to prevent screws from backing out. This mechanism includes features such as friction fit interfaces and mechanical stops that actively resist screw backout before it can occur, thereby preventing harmful effects on surrounding soft tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate portion includes localized features such as friction fit interfaces and engagement surfaces at specific locations where screws are inserted. These local structural qualities provide enhanced screw retention at critical points without requiring changes to the entire device structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If plates and screws are used for spinal stabilization, then vertebral alignment is maintained, but plate breakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the integrated implant, combining materials with complementary properties. The spacer and plate portions are made from biocompatible materials such as PEEK or titanium alloys that provide both structural strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of plate breakage while maintaining spinal alignment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated implant is divided into distinct spacer and plate portions that are coupled together. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a unified structure, distributing mechanical loads more effectively and reducing stress concentration that could lead to plate breakage.
4Reliability
If spacers are used to fill disc space, then fusion is promoted, but spacer displacement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By coupling the spacer and plate into a single integrated unit, the patent ensures that the spacer cannot displace independently from the plate. The mechanical connection between the spacer portion and plate portion maintains fixed relative positioning, preventing spacer displacement while still promoting fusion through the spacer's design features.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an intervertebral implant for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine. The implant includes a spacer portion having an inferior and superior surface, wherein the inferior and superior surfaces each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area, and the inferior and superior surfaces define a through-hole extending through the spacer body. The present invention further provides screw holes extending from a side portion to the inferior and superior surfaces of the spacer portion and a plate portion coupled to the spacer portion through a coupling means, wherein the plate portion contains screws holes for receiving screws. A screw back out prevention mechanism adapted on the plate portion and prevents the back out of screws from the screw holes.