Segmented Intervertebral Spacer for MIS Conformation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral spacers face challenges in providing adequate support and stability, especially in cases of poor bone quality, due to limitations in minimally invasive surgical techniques and the need for devices that can effectively maintain separation between vertebrae while minimizing tissue disruption.
Innovation Solution
An intervertebral spacer system comprising flexibly connected links and multiaxial pivots, designed to fit within an intervertebral space through a minimally invasive approach, which can be inserted via a cannula and configured to maintain separation between vertebrae, with features such as radiused nuts, latching mechanisms, and tapered edges to conform to anatomical structures and promote bone growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid spacer is inserted through a minimally invasive approach, then tissue disruption is minimized, but the spacer cannot adequately conform to curved intervertebral spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is divided into multiple modular segments that can be inserted separately through a minimally invasive cannula and then assembled within the intervertebral space. This segmentation allows the spacer to be introduced through small incisions while the assembled structure can achieve the necessary size and curvature to conform to the intervertebral space geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer incorporates dynamic elements such as articulating joints and flexible connections between segments that allow it to adapt its shape after insertion. These dynamic features enable the spacer to conform to curved intervertebral spaces while being introduced through a rigid or semi-rigid cannula in a straight configuration.
2Strength
If a large spacer is used to provide adequate support, then vertebral stability is improved, but the spacer cannot be inserted through minimally invasive incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer segments are designed to nest within each other or within the cannula during insertion, similar to nested dolls. The segments are collapsed or compressed into a compact configuration that fits through small incisions, then expanded or assembled to achieve the full size and structural support capacity needed for vertebral stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the spacer into multiple segments that can be inserted separately through minimally invasive approaches and then assembled within the intervertebral space, the system enables introduction of large support structures through small incisions. The segments connect to form the complete spacer structure providing adequate vertebral support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spacer is made flexible to conform to anatomy, then adaptability to intervertebral space is improved, but the spacer loses structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer consists of multiple rigid or semi-rigid segments connected by flexible joints. Each segment maintains structural integrity and stability, while the connections between segments provide flexibility for conformation to anatomical variations. This segmented architecture decouples the flexibility requirement from the structural stability requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the spacer have different mechanical properties - the segments are made rigid for structural support and stability, while the connections between segments are made flexible for anatomical conformation. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the spacer to simultaneously achieve both adaptability and structural stability.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~12
AI summary
An intervertebral spacer for therapeutic treatment of a patient includes at least one link sized and dimensioned to fit within an intervertebral space in the patient, and is configured to maintain a separation of two adjacent vertebrae for a period of time. A rigid guiding object, which may be a tool or a successive link, is insertable into the patient, to guide other links into the patient using an MIS approach. A pivot is connected between successive links, or between a guide tool and a link, configured to limit a relative range of angular orientation between the link and the guiding tool, or successive links. Multiple links are so joined to form a chain pushable by the last link, and pullable by the first link, to form a chain which may be formed into a curved configuration corresponding to the patient's intervertebral space.