Sliding Vertebral Implant for Misalignment Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for correcting vertebral misalignment, such as spondylolisthesis, often require invasive surgeries and may not effectively stabilize the vertebrae in their corrected position, leading to instability and potential re-alignment issues post-surgery.
Innovation Solution
A vertebral implant system comprising a frame assembly with end plates and an actuator that allows for the sliding movement of a reducing member relative to the frame, enabling precise alignment and stabilization of vertebral bodies through a minimally invasive anterior approach, facilitating the correction of vertebral misalignment and promoting bone fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reconstructive surgery and fusion are performed to correct vertebral misalignment, then vertebral stabilization is achieved, but surgical invasiveness and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implant system is divided into separate components: a frame assembly that attaches to the first vertebral body and a reducing plate that attaches to the second vertebral body. These segmented components can be independently positioned and secured, allowing for simpler surgical installation compared to a single complex fusion apparatus, while achieving reliable stabilization through the coordinated action of multiple simpler elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The reducing plate is designed to be slidably received over the central portion of the frame assembly, creating a dynamic adjustment mechanism. This allows the implant to be adjusted intraoperatively to achieve precise vertebral alignment before final securing, providing both ease of operation and reliable stabilization without requiring complex pre-planning or multiple surgical approaches.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional fusion apparatus are used to fix misaligned vertebrae, then vertebral alignment correction is achieved, but post-surgical instability and re-alignment risk remain
Solution Approach 1:
The implant system enables preliminary alignment adjustment through the slidable connection between the reducing plate and frame assembly before final securing. This preliminary action allows surgeons to achieve precise vertebral alignment and test stability before committing to final fixation, reducing the risk of post-surgical re-alignment while maintaining the ability to make precise corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for intraoperative feedback and adjustment through the movable reducing plate mechanism. Surgeons can observe vertebral alignment in real-time, adjust the reducing plate position accordingly, and verify stability before final securing, ensuring both precise alignment correction and sustained post-surgical stability.
3Ease of operation
If minimally invasive anterior approach is used for vertebral correction, then surgical trauma is reduced, but precise control and stabilization capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The implant system acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates minimal invasive access into precise control capability. The frame assembly and reducing plate provide mechanical leverage and adjustment mechanisms that amplify the control available through the anterior approach, allowing surgeons to achieve precise vertebral realignment and stable fixation without requiring extensive surgical exposure or complex manual manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of devices and methods of correcting vertebral misalignment, including, e.g., spondylolisthesis, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vertebral implant may include an assembly configured to be secured to a first vertebral body, wherein the assembly includes a frame made of a first material and at least one end plate made of a second material different than the first material; a reducing plate configured to be slidably received over the central portion, wherein the reducing plate is configured to be secured to a second vertebral body; and an actuator configured to move the reducing plate relative to the frame.