Spinal Cage Deployable Spin-Plate for Vertebral Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spinal cages used in spinal fusion surgeries often require additional stabilization and positioning mechanisms to prevent movement and ensure proper bone fusion, as existing designs may not adequately address the need for adjustable and secure placement between vertebrae.
Innovation Solution
A spinal cage design featuring a circumferentially closed wall with a deployable spin-plate that can rotate and engage with the cage, allowing for adjustable positioning and stabilization, along with a filler piece to optimize bone ingrowth and fusion, and instrumentation interfaces for various surgical approaches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a separate plate is attached to the vertebrae to prevent motion of the spinal cage, then the stability of the spinal cage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stabilization function into the spinal cage itself through an expandable structure. The cage can expand radially after insertion to engage with the vertebral bodies, eliminating the need for a separate plate while maintaining stability. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity while achieving the same stabilizing effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The spinal cage incorporates a dynamic expandable structure that transitions from a compact insertion state to an expanded stabilization state. This dynamic capability allows the cage to adapt its shape and size within the vertebral space, providing stable engagement without requiring additional static components like separate plates.
2Ease of manufacture
If the spinal cage structure is simplified without additional stabilization mechanisms, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of spinal fusion decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage employs a dynamic expansion mechanism that transforms a simple insertion structure into a stable fused structure. The expansion capability is integrated into the cage design itself, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving reliable spinal fusion through the expanded engagement with vertebral bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable cage structure is designed to self-stabilize within the vertebral space through its expansion mechanism. Once inserted and expanded, the structure automatically engages with the bone surfaces, providing reliable fusion without requiring additional stabilization components or complex assembly procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spinal cage allows for adjustable positioning, then the adaptability to different surgical approaches is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable cage provides adjustability through its transformation from a compact to expanded state, allowing adaptation to different vertebral spaces and surgical approaches. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through the expansion mechanism itself, without requiring separate adjustment components or complex positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable structure serves multiple functions: it provides adaptability to different surgical approaches, ensures stable engagement with various vertebral configurations, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality is achieved through the single expansion mechanism, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal cage with a wall extending in a longitudinal direction defining an interior space is disclosed. There is also provided a deployable element in movable relation to the spinal cage.