Modular Nucleus Pulposus Prosthesis for Spinal Biomechanics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal disc prostheses have limitations, including encouraging degeneration of adjacent natural disc parts, requiring external mechanical hinge elements, and not effectively alleviating symptoms of degenerative disc disease while maintaining normal spinal biomechanics.
Innovation Solution
A vertebral disc endoprosthesis with segmented, 'yin-yang' shaped sections joined by a hinge or flexible connection, made from biocompatible materials like metals, ceramics, or silicone elastomers, designed to mimic the motion and stiffness of a natural disc, and implanted without external pins, to replace damaged discs and prevent further degeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece prosthesis design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different spinal regions and patient anatomies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple modular components including vertebral body replacements, interbody fusion devices, and connection elements that can be selectively combined. This segmentation allows customization for different spinal regions (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) and patient anatomies while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized component production.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixation methods are used, then spinal stability is improved, but natural spinal motion and biomechanics are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis incorporates dynamic elements such as movable connection joints, flexible interbody spacers, and controlled motion mechanisms that allow physiological spinal movement while maintaining stability. These dynamic features enable the spine to flex, extend, and rotate within normal ranges while the prosthesis provides structural support.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fusion surgery is performed to treat degenerative disc disease, then spinal stability is improved, but adjacent disc degeneration is accelerated
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis modifies mechanical parameters at the fused segment to maintain motion and load distribution, preventing the abnormal stress concentration that typically accelerates adjacent disc degeneration. By preserving physiological motion and distributing forces more evenly across the spinal column, the device reduces the risk of degeneration in adjacent segments.
4Stability of the object's composition
If complex external mechanical hinge elements are used, then prosthesis stability is improved, but device complexity and surgical implantation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis integrates stability-providing mechanical features directly into the main body structures rather than using separate external hinge elements. Connection joints and motion-control mechanisms are incorporated within the vertebral body replacement units themselves, eliminating the need for complex external hardware while maintaining structural stability and physiological motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular nucleus pulposus prosthesis having at least two hingedly connected tear drop shaped disc bodies which combined to form a discoid endoprosthetic disc. The complimentary segments are substantially identical including outer circumferential walls roughly equal to a semi-circle aligned along concave-convex inner wall inner walls forming a common “s” shaped border and are positioned to form a generally symmetrical discoid congruent structure which can be placed within the annulus of a spinal disc section. Disc segments may define structures to support, position and secure the segments to one another intradiscally.