Rectilinear Stem Spinal Implant for Minimally Invasive Fusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sacroiliac joint and spinal fixation or fusion often require invasive procedures, large incisions, and the removal of cartilage, which can be painful and disruptive, and lack effective minimally invasive alternatives for stabilization and fusion.
Innovation Solution
The development of a bone implant system featuring a stem portion with a rectilinear cross-sectional area and a tulip or saddle structure, allowing for secure rod placement and stabilization, which can be implanted through minimally invasive techniques without joint preparation or cartilage removal, using a lateral or posterolateral approach to minimize tissue disruption and promote bony ingrowth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw and plate methods are used for sacroiliac joint fusion, then reliable fixation is achieved, but large incisions and cartilage removal are required causing significant tissue disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into distinct functional segments: a stem portion for bone anchoring, a head portion for rod connection, and an integrated fixation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while minimizing overall invasiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of removing cartilage and using large incisions to access the joint (traditional approach), the implant is inserted through a minimally invasive lateral approach that preserves the joint structure. The fixation mechanism is inverted from external plates and screws to an internal stem-head-rod system that achieves stability without joint preparation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive techniques are used, then tissue disruption is reduced, but achieving stable fixation and preventing rotation or micromotion becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The implant utilizes composite construction combining different material properties: the stem portion for bone engagement, the head portion for rod articulation, and integrated locking mechanisms. This composite design achieves both minimally invasive insertion and robust stabilization against rotation and micromotion
Solution Approach 2:
The rectilinear cross-sectional area of the stem portion provides enhanced rotational stability in the lateral approach, while the tulip or saddle structure at the head portion enables controlled articulation with the rod. This dimensional design ensures stability is achieved through geometric constraints rather than extensive tissue disruption
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rectilinear cross-sectional stem is used, then rotational stability is improved, but insertion through minimally invasive approaches becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
A cavity is pre-formed in the bone through minimally invasive techniques before implant insertion. This preliminary preparation allows the rectilinear stem to be inserted without requiring extensive soft tissue dissection or large incisions, thereby maintaining both rotational stability and ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to bone implants. More specifically, the present invention relates to bone implants used for the fixation or fusion of the sacroiliac joint and/or the spine. For example, a system for fusing or stabilizing a plurality of bones is provided. The system includes an implant structure having stem portion and a head portion, the stem portion having a rectilinear cross sectional area. A tulip or saddle structure can be attached to the head portion, and a rod can be secured within the tulip or saddle structure.