Modular Lumbar Interbody Spacer With Spring-Loaded Lock Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interbody spacers for spinal fusion require large inventories due to multiple sizes, are cumbersome to assemble, and often require secondary elements for fixation, which can damage the spacer during assembly and complicate the surgical procedure.
Innovation Solution
A modular two-piece anterior lumbar interbody spacer design featuring a lumbar spacer body and plate that lock together via a spring-loaded lock tab, allowing for various configurations and easy assembly with reduced assembly force, and enabling simple disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of interbody spacers are manufactured to fit different patients, then the adaptability to various spinal configurations is improved, but the inventory size and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interbody spacer is designed with a universal interface system that allows a single base spacer to accommodate multiple plate sizes and configurations through standardized coupling mechanisms. This enables one spacer body to serve multiple functions across different spinal levels and patient anatomies, eliminating the need to manufacture and store multiple spacer sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer system is divided into modular components including a base spacer body and detachable plates that can be selectively coupled. This segmentation allows the surgical team to assemble the appropriate configuration intraoperatively based on patient anatomy, rather than requiring pre-manufactured spacers in every possible size variation.
2Force
If titanium arms are used for distraction, then the distraction capability is improved, but the assembly force required increases and may damage the PEEK spacer body
Solution Approach 1:
A compliant intermediary component is introduced between the titanium distraction arms and the PEEK spacer body. This intermediary element acts as a buffer that distributes and reduces the peak forces transmitted to the spacer body during assembly, preventing damage while still enabling effective distraction. The intermediary may be made of a softer material or designed with force-distributing geometry.
3Reliability
If a secondary element is used to install the plate and inhibit fixation screw migration, then the fixation stability is improved, but the assembly time and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plate installation and fixation screw migration inhibition functions are merged into a single integrated plate design. The plate itself incorporates features such as built-in locking mechanisms, friction-fit interfaces, or integrated screw retention elements that eliminate the need for separate secondary installation elements. This consolidation maintains fixation stability while reducing assembly steps and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate design incorporates self-locking or self-retaining features that automatically prevent fixation screw migration upon installation. Examples include friction-fit interfaces that self-tighten, deformable retention features that lock screws in place, or geometric interlocks that prevent screw pullout without requiring additional components or steps.
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 design reduces inventory size, simplifies the assembly process, and provides secure fixation with audible confirmation of locking, while allowing for efficient and secure placement during spinal fusion.
Implementation Method 1
a spring loaded lock tab... The locking features are part of the lumbar plate protrusion having tab distraction geometry and lock geometry. The tab distraction geometry includes an inclined or ramped portion and the lock geometry includes a tab recess or pocket. The distraction geometry is such that as the spacer body and plate are coupled, the inclined or ramped portion will engage spring loaded lock tab and push the spring loaded lock tab in so that is can slide on the surface.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a standalone anterior lumbar interbody spacer that includes a lumbar spacer body and lumbar plate with a unique locking system to rigidly couple the spacer body and plate via a spring loaded lock tab.