Segmented Spinal Implant for Bilateral Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for accessing and stabilizing spinal disc spaces, particularly through a postero-lateral approach, face challenges in efficiently preparing the disc space and inserting implants to provide bilateral stability with minimal tissue and neural element retraction.
Innovation Solution
The development of specialized instruments and implants that allow for the insertion and positioning of implants across the spinal disc space through a single postero-lateral opening, using a grasper assembly and inserter instrument to reposition the implant for balanced bi-lateral support of adjacent vertebrae, minimizing tissue exposure and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a postero-lateral approach is used to access the disc space, then tissue and neural element retraction is minimized, but implant positioning and bilateral stability become more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into two distinct arms (first arm and second arm) that can be independently positioned on opposite sides of the disc space. This segmentation allows each arm to be separately engaged by the grasper assembly and positioned to contact opposite vertebral endplates, achieving bilateral stability while maintaining the minimally invasive postero-lateral approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant transitions from a linear configuration during insertion to a bent configuration when deployed across the disc space. The implant is inserted in a straight or less-bent state through the postero-lateral approach, then repositioned to a more-bent state that allows the arms to extend to opposite sides of the disc space, achieving bilateral support without requiring extensive tissue retraction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional anterior or posterior approaches are used, then bilateral stability can be achieved, but extensive tissue retraction and surgical exposure are required
Solution Approach 1:
The implant's segmented双臂 design allows it to reach opposite sides of the disc space from a single postero-lateral access point. The first arm contacts one vertebral endplate while the second arm contacts the opposite endplate, achieving bilateral stability without requiring the extensive surgical exposure needed for traditional anterior or posterior approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The grasper assembly acts as an intermediary tool that enables the implant to be manipulated and repositioned within the disc space after insertion. This allows the implant to be initially inserted through a small postero-lateral opening and then repositioned to achieve bilateral stability, eliminating the need for extensive surgical exposure.
3Area of stationary object
If the implant is inserted through a single postero-lateral opening, then surgical exposure is reduced, but precise positioning across the disc space becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The grasper assembly provides dynamic manipulation capability, allowing the implant to be repositioned and adjusted after insertion through the single postero-lateral opening. The grasper can grasp the implant and reposition it to the desired orientation, ensuring precise positioning of the arms on opposite vertebral endplates without requiring extensive surgical exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented双臂 structure of the implant allows each arm to be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation enables precise positioning of each arm on opposite sides of the disc space, achieving accurate bilateral placement through a single postero-lateral opening with the assistance of the grasper assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
Instruments, implants and methods are provided for positioning spinal implants in a spinal disc space between adjacent vertebrae. The instruments provide a low profile engagement with the implants and facilitate insertion while minimizing tissue retraction and exposure of the tissue and neural elements to the instrumentation in the approach to the disc space.