Spinal Fusion Spacer Stabilizer Wedge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fusion technologies lack optimal multidimensional stability, are prone to loosening, and require complex procedures, often failing to prevent spinal extension during patient movement, which can disrupt bone ingrowth fusion and cause pain.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a spacer and stabilizer system where the stabilizer, with a body having spaced walls and a web, is moved to change from a pre-assembly to an operative relationship with the bone, using a sharp leading edge to cut through the bone and a tapered surface to wedge the bone portion towards the spacer, providing compressive stability and locking mechanisms to prevent movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to join the spacer to the bone portions, then the spacer can be secured to the bone portions, but multidimensional stability is not achieved and loosening may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides compression forces against the bone portion, engages with the spacer through complementary geometric features, and prevents loosening through interlocking shapes. This merging of compression, positioning, and locking functions into one stabilizer component achieves multidimensional stability without requiring multiple separate screws or fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer and spacer incorporate complementary curved or non-circular geometric features that create interlocking engagement. These shaped features provide multidimensional stability by preventing movement in multiple directions simultaneously, rather than relying on single-axis screw fixation that can loosen.
2Reliability
If complex procedures are used to achieve stable fixation, then the spacer can be securely fixed, but the surgical procedure becomes more complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is designed with pre-configured geometric features that automatically engage with corresponding features on the spacer upon insertion. The complementary shapes are predetermined to provide immediate stabilization and compression, eliminating the need for complex multi-step assembly procedures during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer and spacer system is designed to self-align and self-lock through their complementary geometric features. Once inserted, the shaped features automatically engage to provide stable fixation without requiring complex adjustment or additional fastening steps, simplifying the surgical procedure.
3Reliability
If traditional stabilization methods are used, then the spacer can be held in place, but spinal extension during patient movement cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer combines compression force application with rigid geometric engagement features that prevent extension movements. By merging the compression function with positioning and locking functions in a single component, the system prevents spinal extension during patient movement while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The complementary curved geometric features of the stabilizer and spacer create interlocking engagement that resists extension forces. These shaped features provide multidimensional constraint that prevents spinal extension during patient movement while distributing stresses to maintain structural integrity.
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
The system achieves enhanced stability and secure fixation of the spacer between vertebrae, preventing spinal extension and ensuring successful bone ingrowth fusion while simplifying surgical procedures and reducing the risk of loosening.
Implementation Method 1
using a sharp leading edge to cut through the bone
Implementation Method 2
a tapered surface to wedge the bone portion towards the spacer, providing compressive stability
Data Source
AI summary
Instruments, kits, and methods are disclosed for installing an implant spacer through an incision and down a surgical corridor. The instruments also serve to align a drill guide and align and insert a spacer stabilizer for stabilization of adjacent bone portions. The instrument comprises an elongated guide bar body, an inserter face at a distal end of said guide bar body for abutting an instrument attachment portion of a spacer, a connection tip portion for securing a spacer against an inserter face, and a guide portion of said elongated guide bar body for aligning instruments with said spacer and for introducing a stabilizer to secure the spacer in a predetermined position between the bone portions. Included is a retractable graft block for securing graft material within an aperture of said spacer during insertion of the spacer.