Rotatable Strut Spinal Implant for Adjustable Bone Graft Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinal spacer assemblies are limited by their static nature, which restricts optimal bone graft volume and surface contact, failing to adapt to anatomical variations and surgical techniques, thereby limiting their effectiveness in spinal fusion procedures.
Innovation Solution
An intervertebral device comprising a plurality of rotatably associated struts that can expand to form a modifiable inner volume for bone graft containment, allowing for increased bone graft volume and surface contact by rotating about its transverse axis and expanding to accommodate varying anatomical needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional static spinal spacer assemblies are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the bone graft volume and surface contact are limited and cannot adapt to anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal implant transforms from a static structure to a dynamic one by incorporating rotatable struts that can change the inner volume and surface contact area. The struts are capable of rotation about transverse axes, allowing the device to adapt its geometry to match varying anatomical conditions while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is divided into multiple modular struts that can be independently positioned and rotated. Each strut acts as a separate segment that contributes to the overall inner volume and surface contact, allowing for fine-tuned adaptation to anatomical variations through individual strut adjustment.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional hollow mesh spacer tubes are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the bone graft volume is limited and cannot be optimized for each patient
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic volume adjustment capability through rotatable struts, allowing the inner volume to be expanded or contracted to optimize bone graft containment. This dynamic volume control enables customization of bone graft volume for each patient's specific anatomical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant allows for parameter changes in inner volume and surface contact area through strut rotation. By changing the angular position of struts about their transverse axes, the device can optimize the volume available for bone graft and the surface area contact with vertebral bodies, tailoring these parameters to individual patient needs.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional static devices are used, then the device design is straightforward, but the surface contact area with vertebral endplates is limited and cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The implant features dynamic surface contact adjustment through rotatable struts that can modify the contact area with vertebral endplates. By rotating struts about their transverse axes, the device can expand or reduce its surface contact area to optimize load distribution and integration with the vertebral bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface contact function is segmented across multiple struts, each capable of independent rotation. This segmentation allows for distributed and optimized surface contact across the vertebral interface, with each strut contributing to the overall contact area and load-bearing capacity.
4Reliability
If conventional hollow spacer assemblies are used, then the device is simple to insert, but the bone fusion effectiveness is limited due to insufficient bone graft volume and surface contact
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic expansion capability through rotatable struts, allowing the inner volume and surface contact area to be optimized for bone fusion. This dynamic adjustment enhances bone fusion effectiveness by maximizing bone graft containment volume and contact with vertebral bodies, directly addressing the limitations of static devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral device comprises a plurality of struts that are rotatably associated with each adjacent strut to form a modifiable inner volume V for bone graft containment.