Segmented Intervertebral Disc Implant Preserving Spinal Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for correcting intervertebral disc damage often result in reduced spinal mobility and increased wear on adjacent discs, leading to pain and potential further surgery, as they either fuse vertebrae or use complex implants prone to dislocation.
Innovation Solution
An artificial intervertebral disc implant with a continuous, robust design featuring a connector and pad made from the same material, providing stability and flexibility by spanning and interconnecting vertebrae, and allowing for rotational and pivotal movements, while being less likely to fail due to its simple yet reliable construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If vertebrae are fused together to correct intervertebral disc damage, then stability is improved, but spinal mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the spinal column by providing individual replacement units for each intervertebral disc space. Each prosthesis independently replaces a single disc, allowing adjacent vertebrae to maintain relative movement while the treated level is stabilized, thus preserving overall spinal mobility while achieving local stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis changes the mechanical parameters of the intervertebral space by providing a controlled degree of freedom for movement. The device allows rotation and pivotal movements within physiological limits while preventing excessive or abnormal movements, thereby maintaining mobility while ensuring stability.
2Strength
If multiple vertebrae are fused together, then structural support is improved, but rotation and mobility of the spine are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device treats each intervertebral disc space independently rather than fusing multiple vertebrae together. This segmented approach provides structural support at the treated level while leaving adjacent levels free to move and rotate normally, thus maintaining overall spinal flexibility while achieving adequate support.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing controlled movement and rotation within physiological ranges. The device adapts to the natural motion patterns of the spine, providing support while accommodating necessary mobility and rotational movements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If vertebrae are fused together, then immediate stability is achieved, but wear on adjacent discs increases leading to accelerated breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
By treating only the damaged disc level and leaving adjacent levels intact and mobile, the device prevents the abnormal stress concentration that occurs with multi-level fusion. The mobile adjacent segments continue to distribute loads naturally, reducing wear and preventing accelerated breakdown while the treated level achieves stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis maintains dynamic loading distribution across the spinal column by allowing adjacent segments to move naturally. This prevents the rigid stress concentration at fusion levels and distributes mechanical loads more evenly, reducing wear on adjacent discs and preventing premature failure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex ADR devices with multiple components are used, then disc replacement function is achieved, but dislocation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines the connector and pad into a single integrated prosthesis made from the same material. This merging of components eliminates interfaces between separate parts, removing potential sites for dislocation or failure while maintaining all necessary disc replacement functions including load bearing and movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis is made from a homogeneous material throughout, with the connector and pad formed as one continuous piece. This homogeneity eliminates weak points at material interfaces and junctions, improving reliability and resistance to dislocation while maintaining the required mechanical functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral disc implant device (10) is arranged to be positioned with respect to at least one disc space that is respectively located between at least two adjacent vertebrae (e.g. C4 & C5). The device comprises a connector (12) that extends between and interconnects the at least two adjacent vertebrae. The device also comprises at least one pad (18) that is integrally formed with and from the same material as the connector to extend laterally therefrom. The at least one pad is configured for location with respect to a respective disc space between the at least two adjacent vertebrae. The material for the pad is continuous from side-to-side, from front-to-back and from a pad top surface to a pad bottom surface. A surgical procedure for deploying the device is also disclosed.