Segmented Spinal Insert for Minimally Invasive Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spine stabilization procedures, especially for minimally invasive methods, face challenges in providing adequate support between vertebrae without invasive cage insertion and in managing both compression and motion between vertebrae, particularly in osteoporotic bone where screw threads may not be sufficient.
Innovation Solution
An obliquely inserted screw with washer-like elements that deploy within the intervertebral space to provide additional support, allowing for dynamic stabilization and fusion without additional incisions, using a rod that can be anchored with bone cement or threaded for fixation, and featuring elements that expand radially to distribute load and accommodate motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional cage insertion methods (ALIF, PLIF, TLIF) are used to provide anterior support, then adequate intervertebral support is achieved, but the procedure becomes highly invasive requiring additional incisions and complex surgical approaches
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the posterior fixation function (screw) with the anterior support function (washer-like element) into a single integrated system. The washer-like element is inserted through the same pedicle tunnel as the screw, eliminating the need for separate anterior incisions and cage implantation procedures required by traditional ALIF, PLIF, or TLIF approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer-like element is nested within the intervertebral space through the screw's pathway. The element is inserted in a compressed state through the pedicle tunnel and then expanded radially within the intervertebral disc space, allowing the support structure to be delivered through a minimally invasive route while providing adequate anterior column support.
2Strength
If screw threads are used for fixation, then anchorage is provided, but in osteoporotic bone the threads may not be sufficient to provide adequate fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is segmented into two distinct components: the screw provides posterior anchorage in the pedicle, while the separate washer-like element provides anterior support and load distribution in the intervertebral space. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its fixation function independently, with the washer-like element compensating for reduced screw thread hold in osteoporotic bone by distributing loads across a broader anterior surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer-like element extends the fixation into the anterior dimension by providing support in the intervertebral disc space. This adds a third spatial dimension to the fixation system beyond the posterior screw anchorage, creating a distributed load-bearing structure that spans from the posterior pedicle through the disc space to the anterior vertebral bodies.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixation is used to stabilize vertebrae, then stability is achieved, but vertebral motion is restricted which may not be desirable for dynamic stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The washer-like element is designed with radial expandability, transitioning from a compressed insertion state to an expanded functional state within the intervertebral space. This dynamic transformation allows the element to adapt to the spatial requirements of the disc space and provide flexible support that can accommodate physiological vertebral motion while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the washer-like element can be modified by changing material parameters or geometric configuration. The element's radial expandability and potential flexibility in the radial direction allow it to provide stable support while permitting controlled motion, enabling the same basic structure to serve both fusion and dynamic stabilization applications by adjusting design parameters.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple separate implants (screw plus cage) are used for posterior and anterior support, then comprehensive stabilization is achieved, but device complexity and number of incisions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of separate posterior fixation (screw) and anterior support (cage/washer element) into a single integrated implant system. Both components are delivered through one minimally invasive pedicle approach, eliminating the need for separate anterior and posterior incisions and reducing the overall complexity of the implantation procedure while maintaining comprehensive stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The combined screw-washer-like element system serves multiple functions simultaneously: the screw provides posterior anchorage and compression, while the washer-like element provides anterior support and load distribution. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate ALIF cage and posterior fixation devices, simplifying the overall procedure and reducing the number of distinct implants required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances spine stability, reduces load on screws, facilitates decompression, and allows for minimally invasive procedures with fewer incisions, supporting both fusion and dynamic stabilization while accommodating vertebral motion.
Implementation Method 1
featuring elements that expand radially to distribute load and accommodate motion
Implementation Method 2
using a rod that can be anchored with bone cement or threaded for fixation
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal intervertebral support implant, for fusion or for dynamic stabilization purposes. A rod, preferably in the form of a screw, is inserted obliquely from the pedicle of an inferior vertebra into the body of a neighboring superior vertebra, through the disc space. The rod can be anchored into the body of the superior vertebra by means of a force fit or a screw thread. A pile of elements is disposed on the rod in the disc space like a pile of washers, so that the compression load between vertebrae is carried partly by these elements. These elements can be inserted through the bore through which the rod was inserted in a tightly folded configuration, and deployed into their washer-like form only when in position in the intervertebral space, such that there is no need for any additional incisions.