Spinal Disc Guide Assembly with Offset Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for replacing spinal discs face challenges in properly aligning surgical instruments for preparing vertebrae, making it difficult to accurately insert artificial discs between vertebrae.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a guide assembly with markers and projections to guide the insertion of surgical instruments, ensuring precise alignment and engagement of the artificial disc between vertebrae, featuring rails and ribs for secure attachment and a resilient core for load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surgical methods are used for spinal disc replacement, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but proper alignment of surgical instruments for preparing vertebrae is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide assembly as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the vertebrae. This guide assembly includes alignment features and reference points that mediate the alignment process, making it easier to achieve precise positioning of surgical instruments during spinal disc replacement procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The guide assembly is positioned and aligned on the vertebrae before the actual disc replacement surgery begins. This preliminary positioning establishes reference points and alignment markers that guide subsequent surgical steps, ensuring proper alignment is achieved before instrument insertion and vertebral preparation
2Stability of the object's composition
If the apparatus includes multiple projections and rails for secure engagement, then connection stability to vertebrae is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into distinct functional components including multiple projections for engagement with one vertebra and rails for engagement with another vertebra. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, providing stable connection while maintaining modular simplicity in the overall design
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for replacing a spinal disc which has a rail extending from the outer surface to connect the apparatus to the first vertebra. The rail extends a first distance from the outer surface adjacent a first end. The rail extends a second distance from the outer surface adjacent a second end. The second distance is greater than the first distance. In another aspect of the apparatus, the first rail extends generally transverse to the first and second ends. The second rail extends generally transverse to the first rail.