Modular Intervertebral Implant With Detachable End Plates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implant systems require a large inventory of spacers of different sizes and characteristics to accommodate various clinical applications, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular implant system comprising a monolithic body with adjustable length and detachable end plates, manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques, allowing customization and reduction of inventory through modular components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large inventory of spacers of different sizes and characteristics is maintained to accommodate various clinical applications, then the adaptability and versatility of the implant system is improved, but the device complexity and inventory management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implant system is divided into modular components: a base spacer body and interchangeable end plates. The spacer body provides core functionality while end plates offer variability to adapt to different clinical applications. This segmentation allows the system to achieve versatility without requiring a complete inventory of differently-sized spacers.
Solution Approach 2:
The base spacer body is designed as a universal component that can be combined with multiple types of end plates to serve different clinical indications. The standardized interface between the spacer body and end plates enables one spacer body to perform multiple functions by simply changing the end plate configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spacer sizes and configurations are stocked to meet diverse surgical requirements, then the adaptability to different spinal applications is improved, but the loss of time for selecting and managing inventory increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the implant into a standardized spacer body and interchangeable end plates, the system reduces inventory selection time. Surgeons only need to select the appropriate end plate for the specific clinical application rather than searching through a large inventory of complete spacer assemblies with different sizes and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer body is pre-designed with standardized interfaces and attachment mechanisms that enable quick connection of different end plates during surgery. This preliminary preparation of the modular components allows for rapid configuration changes without requiring time-consuming measurements or custom fittings during the procedure.
3Manufacturing precision
If a monolithic implant design is used, then the manufacturing precision and structural integrity are improved, but the adaptability to different patient-specific conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is segmented into a monolithic spacer body and separate end plates. The spacer body can be manufactured with high precision using additive manufacturing techniques, while the end plates provide the necessary variability for patient-specific conditions. This segmentation maintains manufacturing precision benefits while achieving customization through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the implant have different properties optimized for their specific functions. The spacer body is manufactured as a monolithic structure with precise geometric properties for structural integrity, while the end plates are designed with varying characteristics (sizes, shapes, attachment features) to adapt to different patient-specific anatomical conditions and surgical requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
An implant for engagement between vertebrae is provided including a monolithic body (10, 40, 50, 50') comprising a first edge at a first end (10a, 40a, 50a) and a second edge at a second end (10b, 40b, 50b) opposite to the first end (10a, 40a, 50a), an outer surface (3a) extending between the first edge and the second edge, the body defining a central axis (L) extending through the first end (10a, 40a, 50a) and the second end (10b, 40b, 50b), a plurality of teeth (6) forming the first edge, an abutment surface (7a, 41, 51) provided at a distance from the first edge or from the second edge and extending substantially transverse to the teeth (6); wherein the abutment surface (7a, 41, 51) is configured to engage a portion of a vertebra or an endplate (20, 20') that serves for engagement with a vertebra.