Laterally Insertable Intervertebral Spinal Implant with Bone Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion devices face challenges in providing a strong, biocompatible, and stable implant that can be easily inserted laterally into the intervertebral disc space and promote bony ingrowth to prevent movement between adjacent vertebrae, while minimizing tissue intrusion and ensuring long-term fixation.
Innovation Solution
A laterally insertable intervertebral implant with a rectangular shape, tapered front end, and coronally angled design, featuring through-holes and engagement portions for instrument insertion, along with internal bone grafting to facilitate bone ingrowth and prevent dislodgement, and surface projections to secure the implant in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional spinal fusion device is used, then the implant can provide structural support, but it is difficult to insert laterally into the intervertebral disc space
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion for insertion, engagement portions with bone-contacting surfaces for anchoring, and a threaded hole for instrument reception. This segmentation allows the implant to be inserted laterally while maintaining reliable fixation through distributed contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary instrument that threads into the threaded hole of the implant during insertion. This intermediary tool mediates the insertion process, allowing the implant to be guided laterally into the disc space while the instrument provides control and stabilization.
2Strength
If the implant material is made strong and rigid, then it can support spinal loading, but it may not promote bony ingrowth effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The implant applies local quality by providing different surface characteristics in different regions. The engagement portions have bone-contacting surfaces optimized for bony ingrowth, while the overall structure maintains sufficient structural strength through its geometry and material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material principles by combining materials or surface treatments that provide both structural strength and osteoconductivity. The engagement portions are specifically designed with properties that promote bone integration while the bulk material maintains mechanical integrity.
3Reliability
If the implant is designed to promote bony ingrowth, then fusion success improves, but the implant may become less stable initially
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed with pre-formed engagement portions that provide immediate mechanical stability upon insertion. These engagement portions are prepared in advance to ensure initial stability, while the overall design simultaneously promotes subsequent bony ingrowth for long-term fusion success.
4Reliability
If the implant has a complex structure for secure fixation, then stability improves, but the insertion process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by providing a threaded hole that receives an insertion instrument, rather than requiring the instrument to thread onto the implant. This reversal simplifies the insertion process while the engagement portions provide the necessary fixation stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral implant for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine is provided. The upper surface and the lower surface of the implant each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area, and the upper and lower surfaces define a through-hole having an inner surface extending through the spacer body. A first and second sidewalls extend from a front end and a back end, wherein the first and second sidewalls are configured with engagement portions positioned in close proximity to the front end and the back end. The front end and the back end are configured with a threaded hole for receiving an instrument for inserting the intervertebral implant into the intervertebral disc space.