Posterior Prosthetic Spinal Disc Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic spinal discs are too bulky for safe posterior implantation, posing risks due to their size and inflexibility, and existing solutions fail to mimic the natural spinal disc's varying instantaneous axis of rotation (IAR) and center of rotation (COR), leading to potential damage to facet joints and instability.
Innovation Solution
A posterior prosthetic spinal disc design featuring articulating and non-articulating units with customizable interfacing surfaces, keels, and osteoconductive materials, allowing for a moving IAR and COR, and a method for posterior or posterior lateral implantation that minimizes contact with the spinal cord, using multiple units that can be interconnected for customized fit and motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If current prosthetic spinal disc designs are used, then they can replace damaged discs, but they are too bulky for safe posterior implantation and pose risks to the spinal cord
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic disc is divided into multiple separate units (first unit and second unit) that can be implanted independently through posterior approaches. Each unit is smaller and can navigate around the spinal cord, eliminating the risk associated with bulky single-piece designs while still providing comprehensive disc replacement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single large three-dimensional implant to multiple smaller units that can be positioned in different spatial configurations. The units can be placed at different depths and angles relative to the vertebral bodies, allowing surgeons to navigate around the spinal cord in the posterior dimension without compromising the overall disc replacement function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If existing prosthetic disc solutions are used, then they can provide structural support, but they fail to mimic the natural spinal disc's varying instantaneous axis of rotation and center of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic disc incorporates dynamic articulating surfaces with varying radii of curvature that allow the instantaneous axis of rotation and center of rotation to change position during motion. This dynamic behavior replicates the natural disc's ability to adapt its rotation mechanics throughout the range of motion, providing both stability and natural movement patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements variable geometric parameters in the articulating surfaces, where the radius of curvature changes across different regions of the articulating surfaces. This parameter variation enables the prosthetic disc to reproduce the varying instantaneous axis of rotation and center of rotation characteristics of natural discs, enhancing adaptability while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If existing prosthetic disc designs are used, then they can replace the disc function, but they may cause damage to facet joints and instability
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing articulating surfaces with varying radii of curvature, the invention ensures that the instantaneous axis of rotation and center of rotation change dynamically during motion. This prevents fixed-axis prosthetics from imposing abnormal stresses on facet joints, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of facet joint damage while maintaining reliable disc replacement function.
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral artificial disc is provided with a first endplate having a plurality of protrusions for attaching to an adjacent vertebrae and an extension portion extending towards a second adjacent vertebrae. A second endplate is provided with a plurality of protrusions for attaching to a second adjacent vertebrae and an extension portion extending towards the first adjacent vertebrae. A flexible member having an upper portion and a lower portion and a slider plate positioned within the upper portion of the flexible member is also provided. The extension portion of the first endplate is adapted to fit within a first cavity in the upper portion of the flexible member and the extension portion of the second endplate is adapted to fit within a second cavity in the lower portion of the flexible member.