Porous Vertebral Body Replacement Device for Spinal Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion systems and methods for spinal fusion surgery lack effectiveness in providing stable immobilization and promoting bone fusion, leading to potential complications such as bone subsidence and reduced movement, while also being invasive and requiring multiple surgical approaches.
Innovation Solution
A vertebral body replacement device (VBR) with gripping surfaces and a structure allowing bone ingrowth, used in conjunction with insertion and rotation tools, is implanted between vertebrae to securely fuse them, promoting bone integration and stability without extensive abdominal access, and featuring radiographic markers for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional spinal fusion systems are used to immobilize vertebrae, then spinal stability is improved, but the risk of bone subsidence increases and surgical invasiveness is heightened
Solution Approach 1:
The VBR device incorporates a porous structure that allows bone ingrowth through its body, creating a biological anchor that prevents bone subsidence while maintaining spinal stability. The porous material enables osteointegration, where bone tissue grows into the device structure, providing mechanical interlocking and preventing harmful subsidence movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The VBR device is constructed from composite materials that combine the strength and rigidity needed for spinal stabilization with biocompatible properties that promote bone fusion. The composite structure provides both immediate mechanical stability and long-term biological integration, resolving the contradiction between stability and subsidence risk.
2Ease of operation
If traditional spinal fusion surgery is performed with extensive abdominal access, then complete visualization and control are achieved, but surgical invasiveness and patient trauma increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical approach is segmented into minimal incisions and targeted access points, allowing the VBR device to be inserted through small openings rather than requiring extensive abdominal access. The device itself is segmented with distinct functional regions (gripping surfaces, porous body, radiographic markers) that can be independently optimized for their specific functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The VBR device serves as an intermediary between the surgeon's limited access and the need for complete spinal stabilization. The device's self-contained design with integrated gripping surfaces, porous structure, and radiographic markers allows it to perform multiple functions through a single minimally invasive insertion, reducing surgical trauma while maintaining control.
3Measurement precision
If radiographic markers are added to the VBR device for precise positioning, then placement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiographic markers are merged into the VBR device structure as integrated features rather than separate components. The markers are incorporated directly into the porous body or gripping surfaces, allowing precise positioning to be achieved without adding significant structural complexity. This merging approach maintains placement accuracy while minimizing device 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
The VBR device effectively immobilizes vertebrae, facilitates bone fusion, reduces the risk of bone subsidence, and allows for precise surgical placement, enhancing spinal stability and reducing surgical invasiveness by promoting bone ingrowth and integration, thus addressing the limitations of existing spinal fusion techniques.
Implementation Method 1
A vertebral body replacement device (VBR) with gripping surfaces and a structure allowing bone ingrowth
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for immobilizing adjacent vertebrae are disclosed including the utilization of one or more implants inserted between adjacent vertebrae and having protrusions thereon for substantially fixedly securing with the vertebrae. In one form, an implant may be inserted in a first orientation and then rotated to a second orientation having a larger profile. A second implant may also be inserted in the same vertebral space in the same manner. A trial spacer may be used to determine the proper implant size. In another form, an implant may be inserted already in the fusion orientation. The implants and trial spacer, as well as a spreader and/or a scraper for preparing the intervertebral space, may be inserted in the vertebral space with the same insertion tool. The inserter tool may include a threaded member for attachment with the implants or other devices.