Modular Spinal Nucleus Replacement Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal nucleus replacement implants require large incisions in the annulus, potentially damaging healthy tissue and causing trauma during insertion and implantation.
Innovation Solution
A modular intervertebral prosthesis system with complementarily-shaped components and insertion rods that allow for minimal incision insertion and secure locking within the disc space, enabling articulation between vertebral endplates and minimizing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single large prosthesis is inserted through a large incision in the annulus, then the prosthesis can be implanted into the disc space, but healthy tissue is damaged and trauma occurs during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple separate components (first component, second component, third component) that can be inserted individually through a smaller incision in the annulus, rather than requiring a single large incision for a complete prosthesis. This segmentation reduces trauma to the annular tissue while still allowing full prosthesis implantation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple prosthesis components are inserted separately through a small incision, then tissue trauma is minimized, but the components must be precisely assembled and locked together within the disc space
Solution Approach 1:
The components are designed with nested geometric relationships where the second component fits within or alongside the first component, and the third component completes the assembly. The complementarily-shaped surfaces and slot-rod mechanisms create a nested assembly structure that guides precise positioning and locking of components within the disc space after insertion through a small incision.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion rods serve as intermediary tools that facilitate the insertion and initial positioning of components through the annular incision. The rods with complementarily-shaped surfaces act as mediators that guide the components into their final locked positions within the disc space, enabling precise assembly despite the small access incision.
3Reliability
If the prosthesis components have complementarily-shaped surfaces for secure locking, then the assembled prosthesis prevents outward expulsion, but the insertion and assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis components feature asymmetric, complementarily-shaped surfaces including slots and corresponding rods with matching geometries. These asymmetric shapes are designed to fit together in a specific orientation, creating a locked assembly that prevents outward expulsion of the prosthesis from the disc space while maintaining a relatively simple insertion process through the use of guiding insertion rods.
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral prosthesis implantable within a disc space and disposed between upper and lower vertebral endplates is provided. The prosthesis comprises a plurality of prosthesis components insertable into the disc space, wherein the components have at least one set of complementarily-shaped and sized surfaces, and wherein the at least one set of complementarily-shaped surfaces comprises a slot, and a rod that fits in the slot. A method of implanting an intervertebral prosthesis according to the present invention also is provided.