Anatomical Reference Device for Spinal Disc Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional approaches for replacing intervertebral discs, such as anterior and lateral methods, are invasive and risky, while posterior approaches are less invasive but offer reduced visibility, making precise implantation challenging, especially at the L5-S1 level where vascular complications can occur.
Innovation Solution
A device for establishing an anatomical reference point using bone anchorage means and adjustable coupling elements, allowing for precise alignment and positioning of a disc prosthesis or osteosynthesis cage through a posterior or posterolateral approach, with ball-and-socket links and adjustable viewing elements to ensure accurate implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If anterior or lateral approach is used to replace intervertebral disc, then implantation precision can be achieved, but surgical invasiveness increases and vascular complications risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference device as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between posterior approach and precise implantation. The device includes reference elements attached to spinous processes and a positioning device with adjustable arms that can be configured to match the specific anatomical geometry of the patient's spine, enabling accurate disc space localization without direct anterior or lateral access
Solution Approach 2:
The reference device is installed preliminarily during the posterior approach to establish anatomical references before the actual disc replacement procedure. By pre-positioning reference elements on spinous processes and configuring the positioning device accordingly, the system prepares the surgical field for precise subsequent implantation while maintaining the safety benefits of posterior access
2Object-affected harmful factors
If posterior approach is used to replace intervertebral disc, then surgical invasiveness is reduced and vascular complications risk decreases, but operative field visibility is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reference device acts as an intermediary that carries optical or radiological markers from the difficult-to-visualize deep disc space to the accessible posterior surface. These markers enable imaging systems to indirectly visualize and locate the target disc space without requiring direct visual access through bone removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual access system (direct line-of-sight requiring bone removal) with an indirect referencing system using markers and imaging technology. This substitution allows the operative field to be located and targeted through imaging guidance rather than direct visual inspection
3Ease of operation
If bone materials are removed to enable visual access to operative field in posterior approach, then surgeon can visually access the disc, but surgical invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference device serves as an intermediary that provides visual markers for the operative field without requiring removal of bone materials. The markers are attached to accessible posterior structures (spinous processes) and radiate or reflect signals that allow indirect visualization of the deep disc space location
Solution Approach 2:
The reference device creates a surface copy or representation of the deep disc space location on the accessible posterior surface through strategically placed markers. This copy allows the surgeon to locate and target the actual disc space indirectly through imaging systems without exposing the deep structure directly
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
Enables a less invasive and more precise implantation of disc prostheses or osteosynthesis cages by providing a clear anatomical reference point, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring accurate alignment, even in challenging anatomical locations like the L5-S1 level.
Implementation Method 1
means for connecting the platform to the first and the second means for bone anchorage, the connection means being so arranged as to form a ball and socket link
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a device for establishing an anatomical reference point of an intervertebral disc for the attachment of at least one instrument Intended for the implantation, through a posterior or posterolateral approach, of a disc prosthesis or osteosynthesis cage as a replacement for the intervertebral disc. The device includes at least two means for bone anchorage each intended to be attached to a vertebra adjacent to the disc, a coupling element for the instrument and elements for adjusting the position of the coupling element relative to the position of the disc.