Spinal Disc Locking Implant with Lateral Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spinal fusion procedures can lead to rapid deterioration of adjacent spinal motion segments due to the loss of mobility, resulting in increased stress and potential for conditions like disc degeneration, instability, and facet joint arthritis, necessitating additional surgical interventions.
Innovation Solution
A spinal disc locking implant device with lateral interbody wing members and an anterior retention plate is used to secure the device to adjacent vertebrae, constraining motion and preventing further deterioration without removing the artificial disc, thereby maintaining stability and allowing for potential fusion promotion with bioactive agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If spinal fusion procedures are performed to stabilize the spine, then stability of the spinal column is improved, but mobility of adjacent spinal motion segments deteriorates leading to rapid deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the stabilization function by selectively fusing only the specific motion segment containing the failed artificial disc, while leaving adjacent motion segments mobile. The locking device achieves this by anchoring to vertebral bodies at opposite ends of the failed disc space, creating a localized fusion segment that spares adjacent segments from the rigidity effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the need for stability and the need to preserve mobility. It provides mechanical stabilization to the failed motion segment through vertebral anchoring, while its design allows adjacent motion segments to maintain their natural mobility by not extending fusion to those levels.
2Ease of operation
If articulating artificial disc devices are used to maintain mobility, then range of motion is preserved, but device failure or displacement can occur requiring remedial measures
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to maintain mobility through the artificial disc (which has failed), the invention inverts the approach by locking the motion segment to prevent further movement and displacement. This converts the failed articulating device scenario into a stabilized configuration where the locking device prevents further deterioration or displacement of the artificial disc remnants.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device applies preliminary anti-action by preventing further displacement or failure of the artificial disc through mechanical locking. By anchoring to vertebral bodies and constraining motion, it counteracts the destabilizing forces that caused the original device failure before additional damage can occur.
3Stability of the object's composition
If spinal fusion is performed to prevent disc collapse, then spacing stability is improved, but stress on adjacent spinal motion segments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the stress distribution by confining the fusion and rigidity effects to only the specific motion segment with the failed artificial disc. The locking mechanism anchored to vertebral bodies creates a localized rigid segment that prevents disc collapse at the treatment site while allowing adjacent segments to maintain normal stress levels through preserved mobility.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical implant for locking a spinal motion segment includes an anterior plate portion with laterally spaced interbody members extending posteriorly therefrom. The plate portion has passages to receive surgical fixing screws or other securing elements engaged in holes drilled in the vertebrae for securing the plate portion to the anterior faces of the vertebrae to be locked. The arms extend into a space between lateral portions of the vertebrae to be locked.