Modular Spinal Implant with Integrated Distraction Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spinal implants lack efficient assembly and distraction mechanisms within the surgical field, making it difficult to place the central section between anchors implanted in the surgically created cavity.

Innovation Solution

A modular spinal implant system that includes a central section connected to first and second endplates, which can be assembled within the surgical field or pre-assembled before insertion. The insertion tool's handles and endplates function as a distraction device to facilitate the placement of the central section.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the spinal implant is assembled within the surgical field, then the ease of surgical placement is improved, but the surgical time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of surgical placementVSAvoidsurgical time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spinal implant is divided into separate modular components (endplates, central section, distraction device) that can be independently prepared and then assembled within the surgical field. This segmentation allows the implant to be customized for different surgical scenarios while maintaining ease of placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The endplates and central section can be pre-assembled or pre-positioned using the distraction device before final implantation. This preliminary action prepares the implant components in advance, reducing the complexity and time required during the actual surgical placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the insertion tool's handles and endplates function as a distraction device, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion tool's handles and endplates are combined to form an integrated distraction device. This merging of functions allows the same components to serve multiple purposes: as structural elements of the implant and as a mechanism for creating the necessary distraction force during insertion, thereby simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The endplates and handles are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as both the structural components of the spinal implant and as the distraction mechanism during insertion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate distraction devices, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the central section is placed between anchors in the surgically created cavity, then the implant stability is improved, but the difficulty of placement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant stabilityVSAvoiddifficulty of placement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The distraction device serves as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates the placement of the central section between the anchors. By providing controlled distraction force, it creates the necessary space and alignment, making the placement process easier while ensuring stable implant positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250029411A1Modular Spinal Implant

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 T S SHANKS PLLC

AI summary

The current modular implant is particularly useful in spinal surgical procedures. The modular implant can be provided with two anchors and a central section.