One-Piece Lattice Interbody Cage for Bone Infiltration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interbody cages lack effective integration with bone tissue, leading to inadequate reinforcement and stability in spinal fusion procedures, particularly in areas affected by intervertebral disk lesions and degeneration.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece interbody cage with a lattice or grid structure, manufactured through sintering techniques like electron beam melting or laser sintering, featuring a compact outer frame and an inner grid body, allowing bone growth into the structure for enhanced integration and stability, while maintaining sufficient strength and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a solid cage structure is used, then strength and rigidity are improved, but bone tissue infiltration and integration are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cage incorporates a lattice structure with interconnected struts forming void spaces, allowing bone tissue to infiltrate and integrate with the implant. This porous architecture provides both mechanical support and pathways for bone growth, resolving the contradiction between strength and bone integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage combines solid structural elements (struts and ribs) with empty spaces (voids and interstices) to create a composite structure. The solid portions provide strength and rigidity, while the void portions enable bone infiltration, achieving both requirements simultaneously.
2Reliability
If a lattice structure is used, then bone infiltration is improved, but strength and rigidity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cage applies different structural qualities to different regions: solid ribs and struts in load-bearing areas provide strength, while lattice openings in contact areas facilitate bone infiltration. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength and bone integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage is divided into multiple structural segments (longitudinal ribs, transverse ribs, struts) that work together. The segmented lattice structure distributes mechanical loads while maintaining open spaces for bone growth, balancing strength and infiltration requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different spinal dimensions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cage dimensions (length, width, height, strut thickness) are designed as adjustable parameters that can be modified to match different spinal anatomies. The lattice structure allows systematic variation of geometric parameters while maintaining the same manufacturing process, achieving adaptability without increasing manufacturing complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The lattice structure promotes bone infiltration and fusion, providing a firm connection between the cage and vertebral bodies, ensuring stability and integration even under pressure, thus improving spinal reinforcement and fusion outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
prepared, in particular, by sintering, such as by means of electron beam melting or laser sintering
Implementation Method 2
prepared, in particular, by sintering, such as by means of electron beam melting or laser sintering
Data Source
AI summary
An interbody cage, which has lattice-like or grid-like areas for better connection/fusion into the area of the vertebra. The cage has especially an outer frame, which includes massive support parts and, and an inner grid body. The frame determining the outer contour and the lattice or grid areas located within same are made in one piece. The cage is prepared by sintering, such as by electron beam melting or laser sintering.