Spinal Fixation Device with Movable Support Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation devices lack effective anterior column support and stability, leading to potential expulsion and inadequate fusion area, which complicates the treatment of spinal misalignment and constriction-related conditions.
Innovation Solution
A spinal fixation device with a housing and end plate assembly featuring movable support assemblies that allow for adjustable length and angular orientation, secured by rotatable members and pins, providing enhanced stability and fusion support between vertebral bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length spinal fixation device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different vertebral spacing requirements and provides inadequate anterior column support
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal fixation device incorporates movable support assemblies with rotatable members that enable dynamic adjustment of the distance between the end plate and housing. This dynamic structure allows the device to adapt to different vertebral spacing requirements while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-orientation end plate is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different spinal alignment requirements and reduces fusion effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate assembly incorporates a support structure with rotatable members that enable dynamic adjustment of the end plate's angular orientation. This allows the device to accommodate different spinal alignment requirements and optimize fusion effectiveness while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If a movable support assembly is added to adjust length, then the fusion area and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal fixation device is divided into modular components including a housing, end plate assembly, and movable support assemblies with rotatable members. This segmentation allows for precise adjustment of the fusion area while keeping each individual component relatively simple, thus improving manufacturing precision without excessive overall complexity.
4Reliability
If the end plate is made fixed relative to the housing, then the device is more stable, but it cannot prevent expulsion under varying load conditions and reduces fusion effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support assembly with rotatable members provides dynamic adjustment capability that allows the device to adapt to varying load conditions. This dynamic structure enhances reliability by preventing expulsion under different loads while maintaining the ability to optimize fusion effectiveness through adjustable positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal fixation device includes a housing defining a chamber and a longitudinal axis, and an end plate assembly operatively coupled with the housing. The end plate assembly includes a first end plate configured to engage a vertebral body and first and second support assemblies operatively coupled to the first end plate. The first support assembly is selectively movable between a first position in which the first end plate is spaced apart from the housing and a second position in which the first end plate is adjacent the housing. The second support assembly is transitionable between a first state in which the first end plate has a first angular orientation and a second state in which the first end plate has a second angular orientation.