Lateral Plate Protrusion for Spinal Fusion Cage Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spinal fusion procedures face challenges such as plate migration during drilling, interference with the psoas muscle and lumbar nerve plexus, and difficulty in screw placement due to existing pedicle screws, leading to instability and irritation.
Innovation Solution
A spinal fusion system that includes a lateral cage and plate configuration where the plate is positioned within the intervertebral space, initially attached to the cage during drilling and screw placement to prevent migration, and then detached to allow separate biomechanical forces, using a system with angled holes and a protrusion for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the plate is positioned outside the intervertebral space attached to vertebral bodies, then screw placement is easier, but the plate interferes with the psoas muscle and lumbar nerve plexus causing irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is repositioned from the traditional extra-spinal location to the intervertebral space, changing the spatial dimension of plate placement. This dimensional shift allows the plate to be positioned between the vertebral bodies where it does not contact or irritate the psoas muscle and lumbar nerve plexus, while still enabling effective screw placement through the vertebral bodies
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the plate is positioned within the intervertebral space, then irritation to surrounding tissues is reduced, but plate migration during drilling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The plate and cage are temporarily merged into a single integrated unit during the drilling and screw placement phase. The cage acts as a temporary holder that prevents plate migration, and both components work together as a unified structure during the critical drilling operation. After screw placement is complete, the cage is removed and the plate remains independently secured to the vertebral bodies
Solution Approach 2:
The cage is placed in the intervertebral space before the plate is positioned and secured. This preliminary placement of the cage creates a stable framework that prevents subsequent plate migration during drilling and screw placement, establishing structural stability before the plate is fully integrated into the final configuration
3Stability of the object's composition
If the plate remains attached to the cage during surgery, then plate migration is prevented, but separate biomechanical forces cannot act on the cage and plate post-surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal stabilization system is segmented into two independent functional components: the cage that receives the bone graft and promotes fusion, and the plate that provides structural stabilization. These segments are temporarily combined during surgery for stability, then separated post-surgery to allow independent biomechanical function. The cage and plate can independently bear and distribute mechanical loads as the fusion heals
Data Source
AI summary
A spine stabilization and fusion system includes a lateral cage configured for placement between an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra. A face of the lateral cage includes an opening. The system also includes a lateral plate that includes one or more holes extending from a lateral face of the lateral plate to a medial face of the lateral plate. The one or more holes are configured to receive one or more fasteners. The lateral plate also includes a protrusion formed on the medial face of the lateral plate, where the protrusion is configured to mate with the opening in the face of the lateral cage.