Intervertebral Spacer Anchoring Mechanism for Spinal Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intervertebral spinal fusion techniques face inefficiencies in stabilizing adjacent vertebrae, as existing spacers may still move due to stress, and methods like pedicle screws require extensive incisions and are time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An intervertebral fusion device with upper and lower guides that deploy anchors simultaneously into the vertebrae, providing additional stabilization through protrusions and anchors designed to pierce and penetrate, ensuring secure anchorage without the need for extensive incisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spacers are stabilized using protrusions on superior and inferior surfaces, then the spacer provides some stabilization between vertebrae, but the spacer may still move due to stress exerted when the patient moves
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system is segmented into multiple components: protrusions on the spacer surfaces and separate anchors that penetrate into the vertebrae. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the protrusions provide surface-level stabilization while the anchors provide deep penetration stabilization, together achieving reliable spacer positioning that resists patient movement stresses
Solution Approach 2:
The anchors are nested within the spacer structure during implantation, with the anchors initially positioned inside the spacer and then deployed outward to penetrate the vertebrae. This nesting approach allows for controlled deployment and ensures proper positioning of both the spacer and anchors together as an integrated stabilization system
2Reliability
If pedicle screws and rods are used to stabilize spine segments, then motion at the segments is prevented, but the procedure is time consuming and requires large/numerous incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer and anchors are combined into a single integrated device that performs multiple functions simultaneously. The spacer provides intervertebral spacing and bone graft containment, while the anchors provide vertebral body penetration for stabilization. This merging eliminates the need for separate pedicle screw and rod procedures, significantly reducing surgical time and the number of incisions required
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: the spacer component provides structural support and bone graft containment between vertebrae, while the anchors provide deep penetration into the vertebral bodies for secure fixation. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate implants (spacers, pedicle screws, and rods), achieving reliable motion prevention with a single device
3Reliability
If pedicle screws are independently screwed into two or three spine segments, then stabilization is achieved, but the procedure requires large/numerous incisions in the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer and anchors are combined into a single integrated device that performs multiple functions simultaneously. The spacer provides intervertebral spacing and bone graft containment, while the anchors provide vertebral body penetration for stabilization. This merging eliminates the need for separate pedicle screw and rod procedures, significantly reducing surgical time and the number of incisions required
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: the spacer component provides structural support and bone graft containment between vertebrae, while the anchors provide deep penetration into the vertebral bodies for secure fixation. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate implants (spacers, pedicle screws, and rods), achieving reliable motion prevention with a single device
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Devices and methods for intervertebral spinal fusion of adjacent intervertebral bodies are provided. An intervertebral spacer is positioned within a narrow disc space between adjacent intervertebral bodies of a patient. The spacer is arranged with upper and lower guides. The guides are adapted to simultaneously guide the deployment of upper and lower anchors of an anchoring device into their respective intervertebral bodies. The spacer is also adapted to lock the upper and lower anchors to the spacer in the deployed position.