Offset Intervertebral Disc Prosthesis Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral disc prostheses are not well-suited to the morphology of the spinal column, leading to difficulties in implantation and restricted movement due to the natural offset of vertebrae and the coaxial alignment of their plates, which limits the prosthesis's ability to absorb constraints.
Innovation Solution
An intervertebral disc prosthesis with plates that are offset relative to each other, featuring curved surfaces for articulation and a core that allows for pivoting and tilting, with geometric centers not vertically aligned to match the anatomical offset of vertebrae, enabling more natural movement and adaptation to spinal anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the plates of the prosthesis are aligned coaxially to facilitate movement and correct positioning defects, then the freedom of movement is improved, but the prosthesis is not perfectly suited to the morphology of the spinal column due to the natural offset of vertebrae
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally designing the plates with non-coaxial alignment, where the geometric centers of the upper and lower plates are offset from each other. This asymmetric configuration matches the natural offset morphology of vertebrae in the spinal column, allowing the prosthesis to adapt to anatomical variations while maintaining freedom of movement through the articulated connection between plates
2Adaptability or versatility
If the plates are positioned to match the natural offset of vertebrae, then the fit to spinal column morphology is improved, but the parts of the prosthesis are under constraint in an undesirable position that restricts freedom of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing a movable core element that can translate and rotate between the upper and lower plates. This dynamic component allows the prosthesis to adapt its configuration in response to mechanical constraints, maintaining freedom of movement while accommodating the natural offset of vertebrae. The core's ability to move spontaneously positions itself to absorb constraints imposed by the offset morphology
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable core is added to allow spontaneous positioning to absorb constraints, then the ability to adapt to spinal morphology is improved, but the possible movements of the core are restricted and its capacity to position itself is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the prosthesis into distinct functional components: upper plate, lower plate, and movable core. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the plates provide structural support and articulation, while the core provides adaptive positioning. The segmented design enables the core to have restricted but sufficient movement capacity to absorb constraints without compromising the overall freedom of movement of the prosthesis
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral disc prosthesis is disclosed comprising at least two plates, namely first and second plates, articulated about each other by means of a curved surface, namely articulation, of at least one of the plates, each of the plates comprising a surface known as a contact surface, intended to be in contact with a vertebral plate of one of the vertebrae between which the prosthesis is intended to be inserted, this contact surface for each of the plates comprising a geometrical centre at equal distance from at least two diametrically opposite points located on the periphery of the plate, in which the geometric centres of the plates are not vertically aligned, this off-setting of the geometrical centres of the plates engendering an off-setting of the edges of the plates in at least one direction perpendicular to the vertical axis of the spinal column.