Modular Intervertebral Spacer Assembly Retroperitoneal Approach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal surgery techniques face limitations in accessing the intervertebral disc space for anterior arthrodesis, particularly due to the need for unfamiliar positions and the risk of complications when traversing vital structures, and existing methods restrict the use of larger implants that could provide better structural support.
Innovation Solution
A modular intervertebral spacer assembly and hinged disc shaver assembly allow access to the intervertebral disc space through a retroperitoneal, retropsoas approach in the traditional prone position, enabling the use of larger implants and individualized correction of spinal deformities while minimizing tissue trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If posterior approaches (PLIF/TLIF) are used to access the intervertebral disc space, then direct access to nerve roots is achieved, but the implant size is restricted to small dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by performing anterior arthrodesis through a retroperitoneal, retropsoas approach while maintaining the prone position. This allows access to the anterior disc space from a posterior incision, enabling implantation of large surface area spacers without requiring supine positioning or traversing the psoas muscle, thus resolving the contradiction between direct nerve root access and implant size
2Area of moving object
If anterior arthrodesis approaches (ALIF/XLIF) are used to insert larger implants, then implant surface area is increased, but the surgical position becomes unfamiliar and complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional anterior approach by accessing the anterior disc space through a posterior retroperitoneal, retropsoas approach while maintaining the prone position. This allows implantation of large surface area spacers without requiring supine positioning or traversing the psoas muscle, thus resolving the contradiction between implant size and surgical safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the critical step of traversing the psoas muscle from the surgical approach. By using a retroperitoneal, retropsoas approach, the surgeon can access the anterior disc space without entering the psoas muscle compartment, thereby eliminating the risk of psoas-related complications while maintaining prone positioning
3Ease of operation
If retroperitoneal approaches are used to access the disc space, then anterior arthrodesis is achieved, but traversal of vital structures increases complication risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a midline paramedian approach as an intermediary pathway to access the retroperitoneal space. By incising through the midline paramedian region and dissecting through the retroperitoneal fat and fascia, the surgeon can access the anterior disc space without directly traversing vital structures, thereby reducing complication risk while maintaining ease of access
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral spacer assembly having a plurality of articulated intervertebral spacers coupled in series, each intervertebral spacer releasably and connectable to an adjacent intervertebral spacer, each intervertebral spacer having a cannula extending from a first exterior surface of a tail portion through a nose portion to reach a second exterior surface of the nose portion.