Spinal Interbody Cage Wall Membrane Fastener Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interbody devices for spinal fusion procedures face challenges such as screw migration and dislodgment due to dynamic spinal forces, which limits stabilization and fusion, and the use of radiopaque materials can hinder visibility during post-operative fusion assessment.
Innovation Solution
The development of an interbody system featuring a cage with a graft chamber and a wall membrane that interacts with bone fasteners to provide directional support and facilitate graft material distribution, combined with radiopaque elements for improved visibility, addresses these issues by enhancing stability and visibility during spinal fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiopaque materials are used in the interbody device, then visibility during post-operative fusion assessment is improved, but visibility during surgical implantation may be hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The interbody device incorporates radiopaque elements at specific locations (such as the superior and inferior ends) rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized approach provides sufficient radiographic visibility for post-operative assessment while minimizing interference with surgical visualization and implantation procedures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cage structure is made rigid to maintain spacing, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to dynamic spinal forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cage structure incorporates dynamic features such as flexible membranes or adjustable components that allow the rigid cage to adapt to physiological spinal movements. The membrane can deform under dynamic loads while maintaining the overall structural integrity and spacing of the device.
3Ease of operation
If the wall membrane is made flexible to interact with bone fasteners, then directional support is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wall membrane is designed as a flexible thin film structure that provides directional support by deforming in response to bone fastener insertion. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to the fastener's path while the overall cage structure maintains sufficient strength through its rigid framework.
Data Source
AI summary
An interbody system for implanting between vertebrae, the interbody system comprises a cage having a cage body that includes a graft chamber having a volume that receives graft material, a sagittal wall that forms a portion of the graft chamber, and a wall membrane that forms another portion of the graft chamber. The interbody system may comprise an interbody device that includes an aperture that receives a bone fastener, wherein the wall membrane interacts with the bone fastener. The wall membrane may bend as result of a force applied by the bone fastener to a portion of the wall membrane, thereby providing directional support to the bone fastener and/or forcing graft material from the graft chamber.