Modular Spinal Implant with Adjustable End Caps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implant systems lack sufficient adjustability in height and angularity to effectively fit the intervertebral space, particularly after vertebral body removal, necessitating additional features to accommodate varying spinal configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular spinal implant system incorporating adjustable end caps that can be attached to either end of spinal implants, such as corpectomy devices, to increase height and allow angular adjustment, featuring a base and body portion with tabs and recesses for secure attachment and adjustable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-height spinal implant is used, then the implant structure is simple, but the implant cannot be adjusted to fit different intervertebral space heights
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal implant is divided into modular components: a base portion and an adjustable body portion. The body portion can be positioned at different heights relative to the base portion, allowing height adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The engagement surfaces and tabs provide secure connection between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable structure. The body portion can be positioned at different heights and angles relative to the base portion during implantation, then locked into place. This allows the implant to adapt to varying intervertebral space dimensions while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-angularity spinal implant is used, then the implant design is straightforward, but the implant cannot accommodate varying angular requirements of the spine
Solution Approach 1:
The implant allows for angular adjustment between the base portion and body portion. The engagement surfaces are designed to permit rotation or angular positioning during implantation, then lock to maintain the selected angle. This dynamic capability enables accommodation of varying spinal angular requirements without overly complicating the design.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant adds angular adjustment capability in addition to height adjustment, effectively adding another degree of freedom. The body portion can be positioned not only at different heights but also at different angles relative to the base portion, providing two-dimensional adjustability (height and angularity) while maintaining a relatively simple modular design.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional adjustment features are added to the spinal implant, then the fitment precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment features are segmented into discrete, standardized components. The engagement surfaces, tabs, and recesses are designed as separate but complementary elements that can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, then assembled to achieve the desired fitment precision. This segmentation allows for precise adjustment without requiring complex monolithic manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement surfaces and locking mechanisms are designed to serve multiple functions: providing height adjustment, angular adjustment, and secure locking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in manufacturing complexity while still achieving precise fitment through multiple adjustment degrees of freedom.
Data Source
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AI summary
A spinal implant system is provided for bridging an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies bordering the intervertebral space. The spinal implant system includes at least one adjustable end cap and a spinal implant. The end cap can be used with additional end caps and/or the spinal implant. Multiple end caps can be stacked on top of one another, and one end cap can be attached to a first end of the spinal implant, and another end cap 10 can be attached to a second end of the spinal implant. Thus, one or more of the end caps can be attached to either end of the spinal implant.