Single-Fastener Laminoplasty Implant for Reliable Vertebral Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laminoplasty spinal implant systems require multiple fasteners, such as bone screws, which increase the risk of complications and prolong the surgical procedure, due to the need for multiple drilling procedures and increased chances of screws being dropped or misplaced.
Innovation Solution
A laminoplasty implant system utilizing a single fastener, comprising a spacer implant with a tunnel and a fastener implant, secured with a single fastener that anchors into both the lamina and lateral mass of the vertebra, reducing the need for multiple screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fasteners (screws) are used to secure the laminoplasty implant, then the fixation strength and reliability are improved, but the surgical time, complexity, and risk of complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated fastener system. The laminoplasty implant incorporates a tunnel that receives a single fastener, which then secures the implant to multiple vertebral structures (lamina and lateral mass) simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate screws and reducing surgical time while maintaining fixation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single fastener is designed with multi-functional capabilities: it provides anchoring in the lateral mass, secures the lamina, and maintains the spacer implant in position. This universal fastener performs the functions that previously required multiple specialized fasteners, thereby reducing surgical complexity and time
2Strength
If multiple fasteners (screws) are used to secure the laminoplasty implant, then the fixation strength is improved, but the risk of screw misplacement or loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple fastening functions into a single fastener system with a dedicated tunnel, the patent eliminates the risks associated with multiple separate screws. The single fastener cannot be misplaced or dropped into the vertebral foramen as individual screws could be, while still providing adequate fixation strength through its multi-point anchoring design
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel in the laminoplasty implant acts as an intermediary guide that precisely positions the single fastener. This intermediary structure ensures accurate placement of the fastener through the lamina and into the lateral mass, eliminating the risk of misplacement that occurs with freehand screw placement
3Reliability
If multiple drilling procedures are performed to insert multiple screws, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the risk of bone damage and procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drilling procedures into a single drilling operation. The tunnel is drilled in one continuous path through the lamina and lateral mass, eliminating the need for multiple separate drilling steps required for multiple screws. This reduces procedural complexity and the risk of bone damage from repeated drilling
Data Source
AI summary
A laminoplasty implant system includes a spacer implant configured for insertion into an interlaminal space defined by a cut into a lamina of a vertebra. The spacer implant includes a first end and a second end, and a tunnel extending axially between the first end and the second end. The laminoplasty implant system also includes a single fastener implant configured for insertion through the tunnel when the spacer implant is inserted into the interlaminal space. The fastener implant includes a head and a fastener portion. The head is configured to abut against a portion of the spacer implant and to extend axially from the first end into the lamina of the vertebra. The fastener portion is configured to extend through the tunnel and to extend axially from the second end into a lateral mass of the vertebra.