Multi-piece intervertebral implants with segmented layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intervertebral implants lack optimal designs for secure attachment and customization to fit various spinal levels and patient sizes, leading to inefficiencies in spinal fusion procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-piece intervertebral implants with layers that can be accurately sized and secured using fixation devices, featuring various mating features such as waffle patterns, block features, and bore holes to ensure stable attachment and compatibility with different spinal levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-piece intervertebral implant is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the implant cannot be accurately sized or customized for different spinal levels and patient sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The intervertebral implant is divided into multiple separate layers (first layer, second layer, and intermediate layer) that can be independently sized and selected. Each layer can be customized for different spinal levels and patient anatomies, then assembled together using fixation devices to form a complete implant that fits the specific patient requirements.
2Reliability
If a multi-piece implant with layers is used, then accurate sizing and customization are achieved, but secure attachment between layers becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Fixation devices are inserted through bore holes in the layers before the final assembly is completed. This preliminary action of pre-positioning the fixation devices ensures that the layers are securely attached to each other during the assembly process, preventing misalignment or instability in the final multi-piece implant structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixation devices are used to secure layers, then stable attachment is achieved, but the implant structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bore holes are integrated into the design of the implant layers themselves, serving dual purposes: they are structural features of the layers and simultaneously serve as guides and receptacles for the fixation devices. This merging of functions reduces the overall complexity by combining the structural and fastening elements into a unified design rather than adding separate components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Intervertebral implants for implanting into an intervertebral space are provided. The implants can comprise one or more layers that are operably attached to one another. An implant can comprise a first layer having a first mating surface that mates with a second mating surface of a second layer. The first mating surface and the second mating surface can have features that allow them to complement each other. The implants can include one or more bore holes for receiving a fixation member. The bore holes can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. In some cases, the bore holes will be blind bore holes.