Modular Facet Joint Prosthesis Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal prostheses designs lack modularity and adaptability to patient-specific anatomy and disease states, particularly in replacing facet joints, which complicates the restoration of biomechanical function and vertebral body motion.
Innovation Solution
A modular spinal prosthesis system with configurable components, including adjustable support components and facet elements, that can be customized to fit individual patient anatomy, allowing for symmetric or asymmetric configurations to distribute weight and forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current spinal prosthesis designs are used, then the procedure is simpler, but the adaptability to patient-specific anatomy and disease states is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple modular components including support components, facet elements, and configurable connection elements that can be independently selected and assembled. This segmentation allows customization to match patient-specific anatomy while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis incorporates configurable elements that can be adjusted during implantation to accommodate varying anatomical conditions and disease states. The modular design with adjustable parameters enables dynamic adaptation to each patient's specific needs rather than requiring a completely different design for each case.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular configurable prosthesis components are used, then the adaptability to patient-specific anatomy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular prosthesis components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that can accommodate multiple configurations. The same basic module types can serve different anatomical locations and patient requirements, reducing the total number of unique components needed while maintaining high configurability.
3Reliability
If non-modular prosthesis designs are used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the ability to restore biomechanical function is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are manufactured with standardized parameters and dimensions that can be produced efficiently using conventional manufacturing processes. By maintaining consistent manufacturing parameters across modules while allowing configuration variation through assembly, the system achieves both manufacturing simplicity and functional reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet joint includes a fixation member implantable in a vertebra, an inferior facet articular surface and an inferior strut which may be formed separately from the inferior articular surface. The inferior strut has a first end securable to the fixation member and a second end which may comprise a sphere with a hemispherical surface. An attachment mechanism may include a capture feature shaped to receive the second end of the inferior strut, and the mechanism may provide an adjustable configuration, allowing polyaxial adjustment between the inferior articular surface and the second end. A locking member may be actuated to exert force on the second end to provide a locked configuration. The system may further include a superior facet joint implant with a superior articular surface shaped to articulate with the inferior articular surface.