Pedicle-Based Intradiscal Fixation Across the Disc Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bilateral pedicle screw fixation for spinal fusion is associated with iatrogenic pathologies such as misplacement, muscle/ligamentous disruption, adjacent segment disease, increased procedural time, and instrumentation failure, necessitating a fixation method that reduces these issues while stabilizing adjacent vertebral bodies.
Innovation Solution
Pedicle-based intradiscal fixation devices and methods that stabilize adjacent vertebrae by inserting through the pedicle of an inferior vertebra and securing to the superior vertebra, traversing the disc space, offering alternative stabilization without the iatrogenic effects of traditional pedicle screw constructs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional bilateral pedicle screw fixation is used to stabilize adjacent vertebral bodies, then sufficient stabilization force is achieved, but iatrogenic pathologies occur including misplacement, muscle/ligamentous disruption, adjacent segment disease, increased procedural time, and instrumentation failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic elements of traditional pedicle screw fixation (muscle/ligamentous disruption, adjacent segment disease) by using a lateral approach that avoids posterior element disruption. The device is inserted through a lateral interbody space rather than through pedicles, thereby taking out the harmful effects while maintaining stabilization function
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device is segmented into multiple components including a lateral plate, screws, and interbody cage elements. This segmentation allows the device to achieve stabilization through distributed loading across multiple attachment points while reducing stress concentration and minimizing damage to surrounding structures
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional pedicle screw fixation is used, then vertebral bodies are stabilized, but access-related morbidity increases due to muscle and ligament disruption
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of approaching the vertebral bodies from the posterior direction through pedicles (traditional method), the patent inverts the approach by accessing the lateral interbody space from the side. This lateral approach provides direct access to the disc space and vertebral bodies without disrupting posterior muscles and ligaments, thereby reducing access-related morbidity while achieving the same stabilization goal
3Reliability
If bilateral pedicle screw fixation with rod construct is used, then spinal fusion is achieved, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of disc space preparation, interbody fusion, and lateral vertebral body fixation into a single integrated device and procedure. The lateral plate and screws are inserted through the same lateral approach that accesses the disc space, combining multiple surgical steps into one procedure and thereby reducing overall procedural time while maintaining reliable spinal fusion
Data Source
AI summary
Pedicle-based intradiscal fixation devices, systems, instruments, and methods thereof. An implant for stabilizing an inferior vertebra and a superior vertebra may include a first member and a second member moveably connected to the first member. The implant may have a first, initial insertion orientation and a second, final implantation orientation different from the first, initial insertion orientation. The first member may be configured to be inserted through a pedicle of the inferior vertebra and the second member may be configured to engage bone of the superior vertebra in the second, final implantation orientation.