Intervertebral Spacer with Axial Adjustment for Spinal Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral prosthetic devices are difficult to insert and often do not provide an optimal fit with the anatomy, failing to adequately stabilize the spine and accommodate various movements.
Innovation Solution
The development of an intervertebral prosthetic device with adjustable mechanisms, such as U-shaped brackets and set screws, that allow for relative axial movement between spacers, enabling easy insertion and optimal fit between vertebrae, and accommodating spinal movements by adjusting the spacing between spacers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional intervertebral prosthetic devices are used, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but the devices are difficult to insert and do not provide optimal anatomical fit
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic device is divided into multiple spacers (first and second spacers) that can be independently positioned between vertebrae. Each spacer can be adjusted separately to achieve optimal anatomical fit while maintaining spinal stabilization, resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and reliability of stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable mechanisms (set screws, brackets) that allow dynamic adjustment of spacer positioning after insertion. This enables the device to adapt to the specific anatomy of each patient while maintaining stable spinal fixation, simultaneously improving ease of operation and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-spacing prosthetic devices are used, then structural strength is maintained, but the devices cannot accommodate various spinal movements
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable spacer mechanism allows the device to dynamically adapt its configuration to accommodate spinal movements while maintaining structural integrity through controlled adjustment ranges, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows modification of spacing parameters between vertebrae through adjustable mechanisms, enabling adaptation to various spinal movements and anatomical variations while maintaining adequate structural strength through controlled adjustment limits.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid prosthetic devices are used, then spinal stability is maximized, but the devices cannot compress to absorb extreme stress
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates compression-resistant but flexible spacer structures that can compress slightly under extreme stress to absorb shock while maintaining spinal stability during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between stability and stress absorption capability.
4Manufacturing precision
If custom-fitted prosthetic devices are used, then optimal anatomical fit is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses segmented spacer components that can be adjusted to match anatomical variations, achieving custom fit without requiring completely custom-manufactured devices for each patient, thus balancing manufacturing precision with device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables anatomical customization, facilitates easier insertion, and allows post-operative adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely custom-designed devices, balancing manufacturing precision with device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic device and a method of implanting same between two vertebrae of a vertebral column to stabilize the column, according to which each vertebrae is engaged by a spacer, and the spacers are connected to permit relative movement between the spacers so that the distance between the spacers can vary to conform with the distance between the vertebrae and accommodate bending movements of the vertebral column.