Spinal Implant End Cap and Connector for Distraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implants do not effectively prevent extrusion against the spinal cord and lack the ability to distract the spinal column to a greater length than the implant itself, which limits their stabilization and lordosis enhancement capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible cage with a trapezoidal aperture and spikes, combined with an end cap and connector system that includes docking slides and pins, allowing for greater distraction of the spinal column and stabilization without impinging on the spinal cord.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional spinal implant is used, then the implant structure is simple, but it cannot prevent extrusion against the spinal cord and cannot distract the spinal column to a greater length
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal implant is divided into multiple functional segments: a cage component for spinal column distraction, an end cap component for preventing extrusion against the spinal cord, and a connector component for joining these elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a unified system, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector component acts as an intermediary element between the cage and end cap, providing a reliable joining mechanism that allows for greater distraction of the spinal column while maintaining structural integrity. The connector includes features such as pins and apertures that facilitate secure attachment, enabling the system to achieve greater distraction capability without compromising reliability.
2Length of moving object
If the implant length is increased to distract the spinal column greater distance, then the distraction capability is improved, but the implant becomes more complex and harder to insert
Solution Approach 1:
The implant system is segmented into separate components (cage, end cap, connector) that can be inserted independently through the surgical site. The cage component can be inserted first to establish the distraction length, followed by the end cap and connector components. This segmentation allows the system to achieve greater distraction capability without requiring a single large, difficult-to-insert component.
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap and connector components are designed to attach to the cage component in a nested configuration, where smaller components are attached to the larger cage structure. This nesting approach allows all components to be inserted through the same surgical access point, maintaining ease of operation while achieving greater overall distraction length through the assembled configuration.
3Length of moving object
If a connector is added between the cage and end cap, then the distraction capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector component is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to join the cage and end cap together and to enable greater distraction of the spinal column. It includes features such as pins and apertures for secure attachment while also providing the structural length needed for distraction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural length for distraction, serves as a joining element between the cage and end cap, and includes attachment features for secure fixation. By merging these functions into one component rather than using separate elements, the overall device complexity is minimized while still achieving the desired distraction capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a spinal implant that can be inserted into a surgically created cavity of one or more regions of the mammalian spine. Among other things, the biocompatible implant and end cap or biocompatible implant, connector and end cap combinations can assist with the restoration of the normal anatomic spinal alignment and spinal stability.