Modular Intervertebral Prosthesis With Anchored End Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intervertebral disc prostheses often require repeated surgical procedures due to wear or destruction, involving complex implantation and potential loosening of cemented implants, which complicates revisions and compromises bone stability.
Innovation Solution
The use of permanently anchored artificial vertebral end plates with oblique bores for injecting osteoconductive or osteoinductive materials, combined with mechanical fixation via pins or serrations, allows for detachable attachment of replaceable modules, ensuring even pressure distribution and stabilization, and enabling revisions without disturbing bone anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cement is used to fasten the implant to the vertebrae, then the implant is initially secured, but cement parts can crumble off due to movements and vibrations, leading to loosening of the implant
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into modular components: a permanently anchored mounting module and replaceable functional modules. The mounting module with artificial vertebral end plates remains fixed to the vertebrae via pins and osteoinductive material, while functional modules can be detached and replaced without disturbing the bone anchoring, thus maintaining long-term reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the cement-based chemical bonding system with a mechanical fixation system using pins, staples, or screws that pass through the artificial vertebral end plates into the vertebrae. This mechanical system provides reliable long-term fixation without the crumbling issue of cement
2Reliability
If the entire prosthesis is replaced during revision surgery, then wear or destruction issues are addressed, but the surgical procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is segmented into a permanent mounting module and replaceable functional modules. During revision surgery, only the worn functional module needs to be removed and replaced, while the mounting module remains in place. This significantly simplifies the surgical procedure compared to replacing the entire prosthesis
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting module is permanently anchored during the initial surgery with pins and osteoinductive material. This preliminary action creates a stable foundation that allows for simple future revisions by only replacing the functional module, reducing the complexity of subsequent surgical procedures
3Reliability
If the entire prosthesis is replaced during revision surgery, then wear or destruction issues are addressed, but bone material is reduced due to repeated operations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the prosthesis into a permanent mounting module and replaceable functional modules, the bone anchoring is established once during initial surgery. Subsequent revisions only involve changing the functional module without disturbing the bone-anchored mounting module, thereby preventing cumulative bone material loss from repeated operations
Solution Approach 2:
The functional module that experiences wear or destruction is extracted and replaced, while the mounting module that is anchored to the bone remains in place. This extraction approach allows for revision surgery without removing and re-implanting the bone-anchored components, preserving bone material
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional implantation procedures are used, then prostheses can be implanted, but the procedure is complicated and may require repeated surgeries
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design with permanently anchored mounting modules and replaceable functional modules allows for a simplified revision procedure. The surgeon only needs to detach and replace the functional module through a minimally invasive approach, significantly improving surgical efficiency compared to conventional full-replacement procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting module with artificial vertebral end plates serves multiple functions: it provides permanent anchoring to the vertebrae, supports replaceable functional modules, and enables future revisions without complex procedures. This multi-functionality improves overall surgical efficiency across the implant's lifetime
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
This approach facilitates faster and less invasive revision surgeries by maintaining bone integrity, allowing for standardized module exchange, reducing surgical complexity, and enabling gentler access routes, while ensuring stable prosthesis fixation and adjustable functionality.
Implementation Method 1
hardenable material with osteoconductive or osteoinductive properties can be injected into the cavities that remain between the apposition plate and the vertebral body
Implementation Method 2
hardenable material with osteoconductive or osteoinductive properties can be injected into the cavities that remain between the apposition plate and the vertebral body
Implementation Method 3
through which hardenable material with osteoconductive or osteoinductive properties or other plastics can be injected into the cavities that remain between the apposition plate and the vertebral body
Implementation Method 4
the vertebral end plate according to the invention is fixed by means of pins, serrations or the like, which ensures permanent attachment to the vertebral end plate
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for implanting modular prostheses and modular prostheses. The invention is characterised in that at least one module is implanted as a support (33, 34) in such a manner that it is fixed over a long period of time and that one or more interchangeable modules (31, 32) can be detachably connected to the support modules (33, 34), e.g. by means of screws (35), such that they can be removed or replaced postoperatively or during a second or third intervention without having to remove the support modules.