Intervertebral Spacer with Mixed Linear Curvilinear Bores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertebral spacers are not optimally configured for insertion into irregular or curved portions of the spine, leading to difficulties in inserting fastening members due to anatomical interference.
Innovation Solution
The intervertebral spacer includes a plurality of bores that can receive either linear or curvilinear fastening elements, allowing for flexible fastening options and accommodating irregular spinal anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vertebral spacers with linear fastening members are used, then the spacer structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the spacer cannot be optimally inserted into irregular or curved portions of the spine due to anatomical interference
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is designed with multiple bores that can accommodate both linear and curvilinear fastening members, making the device versatile enough to handle various spinal anatomies. This multi-functionality allows the same spacer structure to adapt to different insertion requirements without needing multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer incorporates both linear and curvilinear bores that can receive different types of fastening members, allowing the device to dynamically adapt to the specific anatomical requirements of each patient. The ability to switch between linear and curvilinear fastening options provides flexibility in accommodating irregular or curved spinal portions.
2Ease of operation
If conventional angled instruments are used to install fasteners, then the installation process is straightforward with simple instruments, but the instruments interfere with the chin, chest, or other patient anatomy making insertion difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer includes curvilinear bores that can receive curvilinear fastening members, allowing the fasteners to follow a curved path that avoids interference with patient anatomy such as the chin or chest. This curved configuration enables insertion in difficult anatomical locations without requiring angled instruments that cause interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spacer includes multiple bore configurations for different fastening elements, then the adaptability to various spinal locations is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is designed with multiple bores that can accommodate both linear and curvilinear fastening members, making the device versatile enough to handle various spinal anatomies. This multi-functionality allows the same spacer structure to adapt to different insertion requirements without needing multiple specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of implanting an intervertebral spacer may include positioning the intervertebral spacer within an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebral bodies. The intervertebral spacer may include a plurality of bores, and each of the plurality of bores may be configured to receive either a linear fastening element or a curvilinear fastening element. The method also may include selecting a first fastening element from a group including linear fastening elements and curvilinear fastening elements, and inserting the first fastening element into a first bore of the plurality of bores such that the first fastening element is inserted into one of the adjacent vertebral bodies to secure the intervertebral spacer within the intervertebral space.