Modular Vertebral Implant With Detachable End Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implant systems for vertebrae require a large inventory of spacers with different sizes and characteristics due to varying clinical applications and patient-specific conditions, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular implant system comprising a monolithic body with adjustable length and detachable end plates, manufactured using additive manufacturing, allowing for customization and reduction of inventory by enabling on-demand production of implants with specific properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large inventory of spacers with different sizes and characteristics is maintained to meet various clinical applications, then the adaptability to different patient conditions is improved, but the device complexity and inventory management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is designed with a conical shape that allows a single implant type to be used across multiple vertebral levels and patient anatomies. The cone geometry provides progressive engagement with vertebral bodies at different angles and positions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized spacer variants while maintaining adaptability to diverse clinical scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the spacer, specifically employing a conical shape with varying diameter along its length. This parameter variation within a single implant design allows it to accommodate different vertebral dimensions and spinal anatomies, providing versatility without requiring multiple discrete implant sizes.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple spacer variants with different characteristics are produced to suit various surgical needs, then the manufacturing precision for specific applications is improved, but the loss of substance through inventory waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal conical spacer that can function across multiple applications and anatomical variations, the system eliminates the production of multiple specialized variants. This single-design approach prevents manufacturing overproduction and inventory waste while maintaining the precision needed for different surgical scenarios through the inherent geometry of the cone shape.
Data Source
AI summary
An implant that is implantable between vertebrae includes a monolithic body with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, an outer surface extending axially from the first end to the second end, a plurality of teeth at the first end, each of the teeth extending axially away from the second end to a free end, and an abutment surface facing away from the second end that is positioned radially inwardly relative to at least one of the teeth. The abutment surface is recessed axially relative to the free ends of the teeth to an extent such that the abutment surface is configured to contact a vertebra when the implant is implanted. The monolithic body is configured to extend axially over a majority of an entire axial length of the implant.