Lamina Implant Set with Offset Side Surfaces for Vertebral Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laminectomy procedures often result in weakened mechanical stability of the vertebra due to unsealed resection openings in the lamina, which can lead to nerve fiber irritation and instability, as existing solutions fail to provide reliable closure and secure fixation.
Innovation Solution
A set of block-like reinforcing implants with varying thicknesses and a fastening device, featuring offset side surfaces and a rearwardly protruding extension for secure attachment to the spinous process, ensuring complete closure of resection openings and preventing nerve fiber irritation, with features like spikes for primary fixation and a coating for bone growth promotion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a laminectomy procedure is performed to remove protrusions and growths from the hollow space, then nerve fiber pressure is reduced and pain is alleviated, but the mechanical stability of the vertebra is weakened due to unsealed resection openings
Solution Approach 1:
The lamina is divided into multiple resection openings through unilateral resection, allowing access to the hollow space while maintaining structural integrity through the offset side surfaces that bear on sectioned surfaces of the lamina
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing implant is designed with pre-formed bearing surfaces and offset side surfaces that are positioned to automatically align with and close the resection openings during implantation, ensuring mechanical stability is restored before the patient leaves the operating room
2Ease of operation
If the resection opening in the lamina is left open to allow access to the hollow space, then nerve fibers can be decompressed, but the vertebral arch remains interrupted and mechanical stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing implant acts as an intermediary element that fills the gap created by the resection opening, connecting the interrupted parts of the vertebral arch and restoring mechanical strength while allowing the surgical access to remain open during the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The offset side surfaces are designed with asymmetric positioning where the medial side surface is offset rearwardly in relation to the lateral side surface, creating a geometric fit that automatically closes the resection opening and restores the continuity of the vertebral arch
3Device complexity
If a single size of reinforcing implant is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to match different lamina dimensions and provide secure fixation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing implant set varies the thickness parameter of the main body across different implants, allowing selection of the optimal size to match the specific dimensions of the patient's lamina and ensure reliable fixation without excessive complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An implant set for insertion into the lamina of a vertebra includes several reinforcing implants, each of which includes a main body with bearing surfaces on the vertebra and a fastening device. The main body has a front surface, a rear surface, and lateral and medial side surfaces, the medial side surface being offset rearwardly in relation to the lateral side surface. The side surfaces bear on sectioned surfaces of the lamina, and a rearwardly protruding extension with a lateral bearing surface on a spinous process of the vertebra is arranged on the rear surface. In this way, the resection opening can be easily and safely closed. Sleeves can be provided for the fastening via screws that are oriented such that the screws are guided through the adjoining facets and fuse the latter.