Lateral Mass Fixation Implant with Collapsible Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cervical spinal fusion procedures using posterior access approaches require extensive soft tissue dissection, leading to acute and chronic pain, longer hospital stays, and potential long-term soft tissue deformation.
Innovation Solution
The development of lateral mass and facet fixation implants that can be inserted and applied via a posterior approach using minimally invasive or less invasive techniques, including a facet implant and a lateral mass fixation member with collapsible tabs for secure attachment to adjacent vertebrae.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If posterior cervical fusion with lateral mass fixation is performed using traditional open approach, then rigid fixation of cervical spine is achieved, but extensive soft tissue dissection causes acute and chronic pain and longer hospital stay
Solution Approach 1:
The procedure is divided into two separate minimally invasive steps: first inserting the facet implant through a small incision, then using image guidance to insert the lateral mass screws. This segmentation allows rigid fixation to be achieved without requiring extensive open dissection of soft tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
Image guidance technology acts as an intermediary that enables precise screw placement through small incisions without direct visualization. The imaging system provides real-time feedback to guide the insertion of fixation devices, replacing the need for open surgical exposure.
2Reliability
If traditional posterior approach with direct visualization is used, then safe screw insertion is achieved, but extensive muscle and ligament dissection is required
Solution Approach 1:
Image guidance technology serves as an intermediary that provides real-time visualization and feedback during screw insertion through minimally invasive approaches. This allows safe and accurate screw placement without requiring extensive soft tissue dissection for direct visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical approach of open dissection for visualization is replaced with image guidance technology. The imaging system provides visual information without requiring physical separation of soft tissues, substituting a mechanical visualization system with a technological one.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If anterior cervical approach is used, then soft tissue dissection is minimized, but fixation rigidity is reduced compared to lateral mass fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The procedure segments the approach into minimally invasive soft tissue access combined with posterior lateral mass fixation. This allows the use of rigid lateral mass screws and rods while maintaining the soft tissue benefits of anterior approaches through percutaneous or minimally invasive techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
Image guidance acts as an intermediary that enables posterior lateral mass fixation to be performed through minimally invasive approaches, combining the rigidity of posterior fixation with the soft tissue preservation of anterior approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
The various embodiments described herein provide lateral mass and facet fixation implants, which may be inserted and applied via a posterior approach, using minimally invasive or less invasive techniques. The embodiments described below generally include an intrafacet implant (or “facet implant”) and a lateral mass fixation member attached to or attachable to the facet implant. The lateral mass fixation member can include one or more tabs extending from a middle portion and configured to secure the lateral mass fixation member to lateral masses of adjacent vertebrae. The tabs may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid, and may be collapsible to facilitate insertion of the device. Methods for delivering the lateral mass and facet fixation implants are also described.