Saddle-Shaped Intervertebral Implant Preserving Spinal Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for cervical disc degeneration often result in immobilization of the spine, leading to adjacent level degeneration and the need for multiple surgical procedures, as traditional fusion methods compromise spinal mobility and increase the risk of further degeneration at adjacent segments.
Innovation Solution
Development of intervertebral disc implants with saddle-shaped articulating surfaces and associated surgical instruments and methods for safe and efficient insertion, allowing for preservation of spinal mobility while maintaining disc height, thereby reducing the risk of adjacent level degeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fusion methods are used to treat cervical disc degeneration, then spinal stability is improved, but spinal mobility is lost and adjacent level degeneration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the spinal stabilization function into two separate components: a mobile articulating interface (ball and socket joint) that preserves motion, and a fixed anchoring system (screws in vertebral bodies) that provides stability. This segmentation allows the implant to simultaneously achieve spinal stability through anchoring while preserving mobility through the articulating surfaces, directly resolving the contradiction between fusion-induced stability and mobility loss
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static fused spine to a dynamic articulating interface. The ball and socket joint with concave and convex surfaces enables physiological motion between vertebral bodies while maintaining stability through the anchored construction. This dynamic design allows the implant to adapt to spinal movement patterns, preserving mobility while providing the stability needed to prevent adjacent level degeneration
2Length of stationary object
If traditional fusion methods are used, then disc height is maintained, but multiple surgical procedures are required due to adjacent level degeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by establishing a mobile articulating interface that distributes mechanical loads across a larger area and accommodates physiological motion. This preliminary design prevents the stress concentration that leads to adjacent level degeneration, thereby preventing the need for future surgical procedures while maintaining disc height through the anchored construction
3Object-affected harmful factors
If immobilization is used to treat cervical disc degeneration, then pain is relieved, but adjacent level degeneration and additional surgeries occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by replacing immobilization with controlled motion. Instead of fusing vertebral bodies to eliminate motion and relieve pain, the implant creates a mobile articulating interface that allows physiological motion while distributing loads to prevent adjacent level degeneration. This inversion demonstrates that pain relief can be achieved through motion preservation rather than immobilization, eliminating the harmful side effect of adjacent level degeneration
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for preparing a disc space and inserting an intervertebral disc implant therein are disclosed. Among the various instruments disclosed are a midline marker, a reference pin drill and insertion guide, a pin drill guide, a chisel guide, a sizer, a serrated broach, an implant dispenser, and an implant insertion tool. Methods of utilizing these tools are also disclosed.