Rotatable Plate ALIF Cage for Secure Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) cages face issues with fasteners becoming loose or unsecured, leading to potential repositioning of the implant and associated risks, necessitating a securely attachable and easily installable solution with non-invasive data reading capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An additively manufactured ALIF cage with an integral rotatable plate and structurally encoded components, featuring a fastening mechanism with a post and flange for secure attachment, and encoded data for identification via medical imaging modalities, ensuring stable integration and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening mechanisms are used to attach the ALIF cage to bone, then the implant can be secured initially, but the fasteners tend to become loose or unsecured over time, leading to implant repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotatable plate that can transition from an initial position to a locked position, transforming the static fastening system into a dynamic one. The plate rotates about an axis perpendicular to the anterior face of the cage, allowing the system to adapt and secure itself progressively rather than relying solely on initial fastener tension
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable plate is designed with a preliminary locking action where the plate's rotation itself creates a mechanical lock that prevents fastener backout. The flange with protrusions engages with corresponding features on the cage before final tightening, providing a preliminary secure state that maintains stability during the healing process
2Ease of manufacture
If the ALIF cage is designed as a standalone device with simple structure, then it is easier to manufacture and install, but it lacks integrated features for secure fastening and data tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated implant structure. The cage, rotatable plate, fastening mechanism, and encoding features are all combined into one additively manufactured component. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process (single build operation) while providing complex integrated functionality (secure fastening, rotation capability, and data encoding)
Solution Approach 2:
The additively manufactured cage serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the interbody fusion, incorporates a rotatable plate for enhanced fastening security, includes encoding features for implant identification, and integrates fastening mechanisms. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single manufactured component
3Ease of operation
If fasteners are used to secure the ALIF cage, then initial attachment is achieved, but the fasteners can become unsecured requiring additional measures to prevent dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable plate mechanism is designed to be self-securing. As the plate is rotated into its locked position, it automatically engages with the cage structure through its flange and protrusions, creating a self-locking mechanism that does not require additional fasteners or complex tightening procedures. The system serves itself by using the rotation action to create the secure locked state
Data Source
AI summary
A stand-alone ALIF implant that comprises a cage and a rotatable plate attached to an anterior portion of the cage by a fastener mechanism. The plate may also be integrally formed with the cage, and both are typically manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques. Support material may be added during the additive manufacturing process to lend support to the implant, and may be positioned around the fastener mechanism during manufacturing of the implant. Once formed, the support material may be dissolved away, thereby allowing the plate to rotate independently from the cage, but still remain movably attached via the fastener mechanism. The cage may further comprise webbing thereon to promote bone growth.