Lateral Total Disc Replacement Preserving Anterior Longitudinal Ligament

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anterior total disc replacement systems face challenges in optimal positioning and structural support due to the need for anterior-posterior plane placement and destruction of the anterior longitudinal ligament, which affects motion and stability.

Innovation Solution

A total disc replacement system using a lateral surgical approach with anchor plates and an intradiscal element, allowing for accurate placement without damaging the anterior longitudinal ligament, ensuring optimal positioning and maintaining structural support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an anterior surgical approach is used to insert the total disc replacement system, then the system can be implanted into the disc space, but the anterior longitudinal ligament is destroyed and positioning precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional anterior approach by using a lateral surgical approach to insert the total disc replacement system. This reversal of the insertion path allows the system to be implanted without destroying the anterior longitudinal ligament and enables more precise positioning in the anterior-posterior plane through direct lateral access to the disc space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidstructural support

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional anterior approach by using a lateral surgical approach to insert the total disc replacement system. This reversal of the insertion path allows the system to be implanted without destroying the anterior longitudinal ligament, thereby preserving the structural support and stability that the ligament provides to the spine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If the total disc replacement system is placed too far anterior or posterior, then insertion is simplified, but optimal positioning and motion preservation are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional anterior approach by using a lateral surgical approach, which provides direct access to the disc space and enables precise positioning in the anterior-posterior plane. This lateral entry point eliminates the need for complex anterior-posterior plane navigation while maintaining accurate placement of the intradiscal element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9610171B2Total disc replacement system and related methods

Publication Date: 2017.04.04 NUVASIVE INC

AI summary

Total disc replacement systems and related methods involving a lateral, trans-psoas surgical approach to the spine while performing at least one of continuous and intermittent intra-operative neural monitoring of the psoas muscle to avoid injury during introduction.