SI Joint Fusion Device with Self-Drilling Tip and Hollow Graft Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spinal fusion procedures often lead to adjacent level degeneration due to abnormal stresses on the sacroiliac (SI) joints, which are difficult to visualize and stabilize using traditional methods, resulting in recurrent pain in up to 25% of cases.
Innovation Solution
A fusion device assembly with a self-drilling tip, threading, and flutes that directs bone drilling material into a hollow chamber for grafting, allowing for minimally invasive SI joint fusion, featuring expandable members for stabilization and image-guided deployment to facilitate accurate and rapid joint fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spinal fusion methods are used, then spinal elements can be fused, but adjacent level degeneration occurs due to abnormal stresses on the sacroiliac joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized fusion device as an intermediary element that directly stabilizes the sacroiliac joint. This device acts as a mediator to redistribute and normalize the abnormal stresses that would otherwise be transmitted to the SI joint during spinal fusion procedures, thereby preventing adjacent level degeneration while maintaining spinal fusion reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The fusion device modifies the stress distribution parameters at the sacroiliac joint through its specific geometric design and material properties. By changing the mechanical parameters (force distribution, stress concentration patterns) at the SI joint interface, the device prevents the harmful stress patterns that lead to adjacent level degeneration
2Ease of operation
If traditional fluoroscopic methods are used to visualize the SI joint, then the procedure can be performed, but the SI joint is difficult to visualize due to its complex and deep-seated location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs image guidance systems and specialized visualization tools as intermediaries to bridge the gap between the surgeon and the deep-seated SI joint. These intermediary systems enhance the visibility and detectability of the SI joint anatomy, allowing for accurate device placement despite the joint's complex location that resists traditional fluoroscopic visualization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fluoroscopic visualization methods with advanced imaging technologies. This substitution enables superior visualization of the deep-seated SI joint by using non-mechanical or enhanced imaging modalities that can penetrate and clearly display the complex anatomy that traditional fluoroscopy cannot adequately reveal
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive SI joint fusion is performed, then tissue trauma and infection risk are reduced, but the joint stabilization becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion device is segmented into functional zones with different properties: a threaded distal portion for bone engagement, a smooth mid-portion for stress distribution, and a proximal portion for device insertion. This segmentation allows the device to achieve reliable joint stabilization through its specialized distal threading while maintaining minimally invasive benefits through the smooth transition zones that reduce tissue trauma
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies local quality by having different surface characteristics and geometric properties at different locations. The threaded distal portion provides strong anchorage for stabilization, while the smooth mid-portion minimizes tissue disruption. This localized differentiation of properties enables the device to simultaneously achieve reliable stabilization and minimize harmful effects
4Device complexity
If a multi-functional fusion device is used, then device complexity increases, but the number of separate instruments required decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple surgical functions into a single fusion device: the device combines drilling, tapping, graft delivery, and stabilization functions in one integrated instrument. This merging reduces the number of separate instruments needed during surgery, simplifying the overall procedure despite the increased complexity of the individual device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The fusion device is designed with universal multi-functionality, serving as both a drilling instrument, a stabilization implant, and a graft delivery system. This multi-functional design consolidates what would traditionally require multiple specialized instruments into one universal device, improving ease of operation by reducing instrument changes and procedural steps
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
Enables safe, accurate, and minimally invasive SI joint fusion, reducing the risk of infection and tissue trauma, and shortening operating room time, while providing a device that functions as its own drill bit, tap, autograft harvester, and compressor for enhanced fusion success.
Implementation Method 1
at least one expandable member operatively arranged in the bore to expand radially through the at least one opening
Implementation Method 2
a radially outward facing surface including threading
Implementation Method 3
a hollow internal chamber into which bone drilling material from the advancing tip is funneled via flutes directing the material into apertures that perforate the device wall
Data Source
AI summary
A fusion device assembly for fusion of a joint, including a fusion device, including a distal end, a proximal end, a radially outward facing surface including threading, a bore extending from the proximal end, at least one flute arranged proximate the distal end, and at least one aperture arranged adjacent to the at least one flute, and a reversibly connected hollow drive shaft for insertion of said device which, in a some embodiments, is hollow to allow addition of supplementary bone graft materials or products, should this be desired, without altering the position of the deployed device.