Polyaxial Vertebral Implant Endplates for Subsidence Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertebral implants struggle with subsidence and sagittal imbalance due to disparities between the angles of the endplates and adjacent vertebral bodies after implantation, limiting the ability to make in-situ adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The development of polyaxial endplate assemblies with articulable plate members and wedge members that allow for post-assembly adjustment of angles to match the patient's anatomy, using locking and securing elements to stabilize the orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional vertebral implants with fixed endplate angles are used, then the implantation process is simple, but the implant cannot adapt to patient-specific anatomy leading to subsidence and sagittal imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The endplate assembly incorporates an articulable plate member that can rotate relative to the receiving member, transforming the fixed structure into a dynamic, adjustable system. This allows the endplate angle to be modified in-situ to match patient-specific anatomy while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The endplate is divided into separate components: a receiving member with a constrained articulation mechanism and an articulable plate member that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while enabling overall adaptability without excessive complexity
2Ease of operation
If fixed-angle endplates are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but post-assembly angle adjustment is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The constrained articulation mechanism enables the endplate to transition from a fixed manufacturing state to an adjustable operational state. The mechanism allows precise angular positioning through controlled rotation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism is designed to be self-contained within the implant structure, allowing angle adjustment to be performed by the surgical team using simple tools during the procedure, eliminating the need for complex external adjustment devices or procedures
3Reliability
If the endplate angle cannot be adjusted, then the device structure is simple, but subsidence and sagittal imbalance occur
Solution Approach 1:
The constrained articulation mechanism provides a controlled degree of freedom that allows angle adjustment during implantation, then locks into a stable configuration. This dynamic-to-static transition ensures implant stability while providing the necessary adaptability, with the locking mechanism designed to maintain reliability without excessive complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables in-situ adjustment of endplate angles to improve fit and stability, reducing subsidence and sagittal imbalance, and enhancing the integration of vertebral implants with the surrounding anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
a rounded compressible body portion, the body portion defining a cavity therein; a variable diameter section configured to receive the rounded compressible body portion of the articulable plate member therein
Implementation Method 2
a wedge member configured to apply a force to the receiving member and the locking member
Implementation Method 3
a wedge member comprising a tapered transverse cross section
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein are generally directed to vertebral implants and implant trials for use with vertebral implant assemblies. In some embodiments, these implants and implant trials may be used in conjunction with corpectomy procedures.