Spinal Fusion Frame and Spacer System for Disc Space Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion procedures lack effective systems for promoting fusion between vertebrae, as existing devices often require additional graft material and have limitations in load-bearing capacity and anatomical fit.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system comprising a frame and spacer designed to be inserted into a disc space, where the frame has a continuous perimeter and includes fixation members angled in different directions to secure the spacer, allowing for secure engagement and load distribution, and can be used with or without a spacer, promoting spinal fusion and bone growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional interbody fusion device is used, then graft material can be deposited to promote fusion, but the device lacks sufficient load-bearing capacity and anatomical fit
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a frame structure providing load-bearing capacity, a spacer maintaining disc space height, and fixation members securing the assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes composite construction combining rigid materials for the frame and fixation members to ensure load-bearing capacity, while the spacer may use different materials optimized for bone growth promotion. This composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of mechanical strength and biological functionality.
2Reliability
If additional graft material is required, then fusion can be promoted, but the procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: structural support, spacer maintenance, fixation, and graft material accommodation. By combining these functions, the device eliminates the need for separate graft material application steps, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining reliable fusion promotion capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure itself provides the framework for fusion promotion without requiring external graft material application. The integrated design allows the device to serve its own fixation and support functions, reducing the need for additional surgical steps and materials.
3Volume of moving object
If the device profile is reduced to fit within disc space, then anatomical fit is improved, but load-bearing capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device optimizes its spatial configuration by distributing structural elements across multiple dimensions within the disc space. The frame and fixation members are arranged to maximize load-bearing efficiency in available space, utilizing three-dimensional positioning to achieve both compact size and sufficient strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates curved and contoured surfaces that conform to the natural anatomy of the disc space, allowing optimal fit within the available volume. The curved design of the frame and fixation members enables efficient load distribution across the vertebral bodies while maintaining a compact profile.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application is generally directed to implantable systems, devices and related methods pertaining to spinal surgery. In particular, the present application discloses a frame and spacer system for inserting into a disc space. The frame and spacer system is of low profile. The frame can receive different fixation devices, including threaded and non-threaded fixation devices.