Parallel Jaw Inserter for Expandable Cervical Interbody Implants
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanically operated interbody implants for the cervical spine in ACDF procedures have a large footprint and limited adjustability for optimizing lordosis or sagittal alignment due to fixed lordotic angles between endplates.
Innovation Solution
An expandable interbody implant with hingedly coupled superior and inferior endplates, featuring a locking screw and external inserter for adjustable lordosis and kyphosis, allowing for precise expansion and fixation using a surgical tool with gripping protrusions and a drive feature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional mechanically operated interbody implants are used for cervical spine ACDF procedures, then the implant can provide structural support for fusion, but the implant has a large footprint that is unsuitable for cervical portion of the spine
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into separate endplates (superior and inferior) that can be inserted independently through the disc space, with the inferior endplate serving as the base and the superior endplate being expanded afterward. This segmentation allows for a smaller initial footprint during insertion while maintaining structural support capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The superior endplate is designed to nest within or upon the inferior endplate structure, allowing the implant to be inserted in a compact configuration and then expanded to its full functional form after positioning, thereby reducing the required insertion footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional implants with fixed lordotic angles are used, then the implant structure is simpler, but the ability to optimize adjustment of lordosis or sagittal alignment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The implant transitions from a static fixed-angle design to a dynamic adjustable design where the superior endplate can be expanded and positioned at various angles relative to the inferior endplate. The hinge connection between endplates enables dynamic adjustment of lordotic and sagittal alignment after insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant structure itself, through its expandable design and hinge mechanism, provides the adaptability for angle adjustment without requiring complex external mechanical mechanisms. The expansion process inherently enables angle optimization.
3Area of moving object
If expandable implant design is used to reduce footprint, then the implant can be inserted through disc space, but the internal components are reduced which may affect structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is segmented into endplates with a hinge connection, allowing the structure to be inserted in a compact state and then expanded to achieve full structural integrity. Each endplate maintains its structural strength while the overall footprint during insertion is minimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant structure undergoes a parameter change from a compact inserted state to an expanded functional state. The material and structural design are optimized to maintain structural integrity during and after the expansion process, ensuring sufficient strength despite the reduced initial footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
An interbody system including an implant and a tool for inserting and expanding the medical implant and locking the implant in place is disclosed. The medical implant may include an expandable body defined by a superior endplate and an inferior endplate that are hingedly coupled and may be expanded and lordosed. The superior and inferior endplate may include gripping protrusions that mate and/or directly engage with recessed jaws of disclosed surgical tool. The surgical tool may include a vertically movable jaw to expand and contract the implant when engaged with the gripping protrusions of the implant. The surgical tool may also include a drive portion that engages the drive feature of the lock screw with the drive end of the surgical tool lock the implant while in an expanded position.