PAEK Artificial Disc with Metallic Inserts for Imaging and Bone Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial intervertebral discs face challenges in providing improved visibility under medical imaging such as X-ray, MRI, and CT scans, and in achieving effective bone integration and attachment, which are crucial for both short-term fixation and long-term stability.
Innovation Solution
The use of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) materials for the upper and lower prosthesis plates, combined with metallic inserts that provide a bone ongrowth surface and serve as radiographic markers, allowing for improved imaging properties and enhanced bone attachment through serrations or teeth, while the core enables articulation and rotation between the plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metallic materials are used for artificial intervertebral discs, then structural strength is improved, but visibility under medical imaging deteriorates and artifacts obscure tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of PAEK polymer matrix combined with metallic inserts (titanium or stainless steel). The PAEK provides radiolucency for improved imaging visibility, while the metallic inserts provide structural strength and serve as radiographic markers. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by placing metallic inserts specifically at the bone-contacting surfaces and strategic locations within the disc structure, rather than making the entire disc metallic. The metallic inserts provide localized strength and imaging markers where needed, while the majority of the disc structure remains radiolucent PAEK for improved imaging visibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If smooth surfaces are used on prosthesis plates, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but bone attachment and integration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different surface characteristics in different locations. The metallic inserts feature serrations or teeth on their outer surfaces to enhance bone attachment, while the internal structure and bearing surfaces maintain smooth finishes for manufacturing simplicity and proper articulation. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between manufacturing ease and bone integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous or textured surfaces on the metallic inserts through serrations, teeth, or other surface modifications that increase surface area and provide mechanical interlocking with bone tissue. This porous/textured surface structure on the metallic inserts enhances bone attachment while the overall composite structure maintains manufacturing feasibility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fusion surgery is performed to treat disc damage, then structural stability is improved, but patient mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable core within the artificial disc structure that allows dynamic motion between the upper and lower vertebral bodies. The core can translate and rotate within the confines of the prosthesis plates, enabling physiological movement while maintaining structural stability. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by providing both stability and mobility, unlike rigid fusion constructs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the artificial disc into distinct functional components: upper and lower prosthesis plates for structural stability and bone attachment, and a movable core for enabling motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the plates providing stability and the core providing mobility, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural stability and patient mobility.
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, in one embodiment, includes upper and lower prosthesis plates and a movable core. The prosthesis plates and optionally the core are formed of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) for improved imaging properties. A metallic insert is provided on each of the PAEK prosthesis plates providing a bone ongrowth surface.