Spinal Fixation Plate with Modular Arms for Vertebral Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for spinal disorders, particularly after procedures like corpectomy or vertebrectomy, face challenges in providing adequate support and stabilization for vertebral bodies, leading to potential complications such as vertebral collapse, nerve compression, and delayed fusion.

Innovation Solution

The development of an implant device for the spine, comprising a first plate with fixation holes and arms with vertebral endplate engaging portions, designed to be placed between two adjacent vertebrae post-corpectomy or vertebrectomy. This device can be combined with an interbody device, allowing for connection to the plate or positioning between its arms, facilitating stabilization and fusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional spinal fixation devices are used after corpectomy or vertebrectomy, then basic stabilization is provided, but adequate support and stabilization is insufficient leading to vertebral collapse, nerve compression, and delayed fusion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestabilization effectivenessVSAvoidvertebral collapse and nerve compression

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The implant device is divided into multiple functional components: a plate structure with multiple fixation holes for secure attachment, arms extending from the plate that can engage with vertebral endplates, and an interbody device that can be positioned between vertebrae. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, providing comprehensive stabilization that prevents vertebral collapse and nerve compression while promoting fusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a single rigid plate is used for spinal fixation, then structural strength is provided, but adaptability to different vertebral configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidfit to vertebral configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plate includes multiple fixation holes arranged in different patterns and positions, allowing the device to be configured dynamically to match various vertebral anatomies. The arms can be positioned and secured at different locations, providing adaptability to different vertebral configurations while maintaining structural strength through the rigid plate construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the implant device have specialized features tailored to specific functions: the plate provides overall structural strength, the fixation holes allow for localized secure attachment at optimal positions, and the arms provide targeted engagement with vertebral endplates. This local specialization enables both strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular components are used to improve adaptability, then fit to vertebral configuration is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization to patient anatomyVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into modular components (plate, arms, interbody device) that can be assembled together to create a customized solution for each patient's anatomy. This segmentation provides adaptability while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design, balancing customization needs with manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250186219A1Space bridging plate and modular components

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 CTL MEDICAL CORP

AI summary

Disclosed are devices for the fixation and support of vertebrae, particularly spinal implant devices supporting and/or securing removed vertebral bodies of the spine.