Posterior Spinal Joint Replacement with Bridge Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal joint replacement technologies are invasive and do not effectively address the need for a motion-preserving solution that treats the total spinal joint, including both the spinal disc and facet joints, due to their size and the limitations of anterior surgical approaches.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic system comprising upper and lower joint components with articulation surfaces forming a ball-and-socket joint, along with a bridge component and fasteners, designed for posterior implantation between vertebrae to allow relative movement and prevent dislocation, utilizing a posterior surgical approach to minimize invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an anterior surgical approach is used for disc arthroplasty, then the spinal disc can be replaced, but the procedure becomes highly invasive and does not allow easy access to facet joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional anterior surgical approach by using a posterior approach. The posterior bridge component extends through the disc space from the posterior aspect, allowing the surgeon to access and treat both the spinal disc and facet joints through a less invasive posterior route rather than the conventional anterior route.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from an anterior approach to a posterior approach, utilizing a different spatial dimension for surgical access. The posterior bridge component provides a three-dimensional solution that extends through the disc space from the posterior aspect, enabling access to structures that were previously difficult to reach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing disc arthroplasty devices are used, then spinal disc function can be preserved, but the devices are too large to be effectively implanted through posterior approaches
Solution Approach 1:
The arthroplasty device is segmented into distinct functional components: an anterior joint component for disc replacement, a posterior bridge component for structural support and facetal joint treatment, and connection components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling implantation through a posterior approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with a posterior-to-anterior orientation, where the posterior bridge component is inserted first through the disc space and then extends anteriorly to support the joint component. This dimensional arrangement allows motion preservation functionality to be achieved with a configuration suitable for posterior implantation.
3Ease of operation
If the articulating joint is designed to allow full motion, then flexion/extension and rotational motion are preserved, but dislocation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The posterior bridge component acts as an intermediary structure between the articulating joint and the posterior vertebral elements. It provides a stable anchor point that prevents dislocation while allowing the joint component to maintain its full range of motion capabilities through the articulation surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates the motion-function from the stability-function into different components. The articulating joint component handles motion preservation through its articulation surfaces, while the posterior bridge component handles stability and dislocation prevention through its connection to the vertebrae and facetal joints.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae having an upper joint component and a lower joint component. The joint is adapted for implantation within a disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae, allowing the upper and lower vertebrae to move relative to one another. The system further includes a bridge component extending posteriorly from the lower joint component and from the disc space, with the bridge component having a lower contact surface configured for engaging a resected bone surface of a pedicle of the lower vertebrae. The distal end of the bridge component comprises a connection component adapted to receive a fastener.