Low Profile Intervertebral Implant Nested Plate Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intervertebral implants often increase the height profile when used for fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies, making them unsuitable for implantation within the intervertebral disc space without extending beyond its perimeter, which can complicate surgical procedures and stability.
Innovation Solution
A low profile intervertebral implant design featuring a plate coupled to a spacer, where the plate is sized to not exceed the spacer's height, and is secured using deformable arms or a coupling mechanism that can shrink or be tightened around the spacer, allowing for secure implantation without increasing the overall height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a plate is coupled to a spacer to secure the implant, then the implant stability is improved, but the height profile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is nested within the perimeter boundaries of the spacer, with the plate's vertical extensions contained within the spacer's height. This nesting arrangement allows the plate to provide stabilization while maintaining a low profile that does not extend beyond the spacer's outer dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a traditional extended plate design to a low-profile design where the plate is contained within the spacer's vertical boundaries. The plate provides stabilization through horizontal positioning and anchoring features rather than vertical extension, changing the dimensional approach to stability.
2Length of stationary object
If the plate does not extend beyond the spacer perimeter, then the height profile is reduced, but the coupling security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The plate incorporates localized anchoring features such as vertebral body engaging portions with bone-anchoring elements and vertebral process engaging portions with set-screw elements. These localized features provide secure coupling at specific interaction points without requiring the entire plate to extend beyond the spacer perimeter.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant system combines the plate and spacer as integrated components with complementary functions. The plate provides stabilization and anchoring, while the spacer maintains disc height and spacing. Their integrated design ensures secure coupling through the combination of components rather than relying on plate extension alone.
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
Enables the implantation of the intervertebral implant within the disc space without increasing its height profile, providing stable fusion while allowing for bone growth and accommodating varying spacer dimensions, thus improving surgical feasibility and patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The circumferential arm may be sized and configured to shrink as a result of temperature variation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a low profile intervertebral implant for implantation in an intervertebral disc space in-between adjacent vertebral bodies. The intervertebral implant includes a plate preferably coupled to a spacer. The plate is preferably formed from a first material and the spacer is preferably formed from a second material, the first material being different from the second material. The plate is preferably sized and configured so that the plate does not extend beyond the perimeter of the spacer. In this manner, the plate preferably does not increase the height profile of the spacer and the plate may be implanted within the intervertebral disc space in conjunction with the spacer.