Polyaxial Facet Joint Implants with Taper-Lock Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for replacing natural vertebral facet joints lack adjustability and ease of use, leading to suboptimal implantation and potential complications in spinal procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of polyaxial facet joint replacement systems with adjustable implants that can rotate about multiple axes and utilize taper-lock connectors for secure attachment, allowing for customizable fit and simplified implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed facet joint replacement methods are used, then the implantation process is simpler, but the implant lacks adaptability to patient-specific anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The facet joint replacement system incorporates polyaxial adjustability, allowing the implant to dynamically adapt to different anatomical configurations. The implant can be adjusted along multiple axes (superior-inferior, anterior-posterior, medial-lateral) and at various angles to match patient-specific facet joint geometry, transforming a static implant into a dynamically adaptable solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the implantation process into distinct modular components: trial implants for anatomical assessment, permanent implants for replacement, and separate adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows surgeons to first evaluate anatomy with trials, then implant permanent components with optimized positioning, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional non-adjustable facet joint implants are used, then the implantation procedure is faster, but the fit to patient anatomy is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs trial implants that are inserted and adjusted before the permanent implant is placed. This preliminary action allows surgeons to optimize the positioning and fit of the implant to patient-specific anatomy in advance, ensuring high precision when the permanent implant is installed, while the modular design prevents excessive time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Trial implants serve as intermediary devices between the surgeon's anatomical assessment and the final permanent implant placement. These trials allow for virtual or physical testing of implant positions and configurations, mediating the transition from anatomical evaluation to precise permanent implant installation without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during final implantation.
3Reliability
If fixed-position facet joint replacements are performed, then the surgical procedure is less complex, but the risk of complications increases due to poor anatomical fit
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adjustability along three axes (superior-inferior, anterior-posterior, medial-lateral) and rotational freedom, allowing surgeons to optimize implant positioning to achieve optimal anatomical fit. This dynamic capability significantly improves procedure success rate by ensuring proper alignment and load distribution, reducing complications from malpositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The taper-lock connectors and set-screw mechanisms are designed for straightforward engagement and locking without requiring complex external tools or multiple operators. The self-contained adjustment and locking mechanisms allow a single surgeon to perform precise positioning and secure the implant reliably, improving success rates without proportionally increasing procedural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface, and an optional crossbar. The inferior implant and the superior implant are each polyaxially adjustably connected to fixation elements which anchor the implants to adjacent vertebrae. The optional crossbar may be polyaxially adjustably connected to bilateral implants. The system components may be provided in kits which provide components of various sizes and shapes. A set of surgical instruments may facilitate implantation of the facet joint replacement system by providing tools for bone preparation, trialing, implant insertion, implant alignment, and lock-out of modular interconnections.