Spinal Fusion Device with Segmented Spacer and Locking Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion devices fail to maintain the natural height and lordosis of the spine and are difficult to assemble and disassemble during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A spinal fusion device comprising a pair of endplates and a single spacer that can be easily assembled and disassembled, with flexible locking tabs and dovetail-shaped sliding ends to maintain pre-determined spacing and lordotic alignment, allowing for in situ adjustment and customization to fit individual anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a spinal fusion device uses a fixed rigid structure to maintain spinal height and lordosis, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of assembly and disassembly during surgery deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal fusion device is divided into separate components: endplates with locking holes and a spacer with locking tabs. The locking tabs can be inserted into the locking holes to secure the spacer between endplates, or removed to allow disassembly. This segmentation enables the device to be assembled and disassembled during surgery while maintaining structural stability when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic system that can change state between locked and unlocked configurations. The flexible locking tabs can be deformed to engage or disengage from the locking holes, allowing the device to adapt between stable implantation and easy removal during surgical procedures.
2Reliability
If a spinal fusion device uses complex locking mechanisms to ensure secure fixation, then the reliability of fixation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted as a simple feature directly integrated into the spacer and endplate components. The locking tabs are formed as integral parts of the spacer, and the locking holes are directly molded into the endplates. This eliminates the need for separate locking components or complex assembly procedures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable fixation.
3Manufacturing precision
If a spinal fusion device uses a single-piece spacer to maintain pre-determined spacing, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different patient anatomy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different patient anatomies through the locking mechanism. The locking tabs and holes provide a standardized interface that works with various endplate sizes and shapes. This allows a single spacer design to maintain precise pre-determined spacing while adapting to different surgical requirements and patient-specific anatomical variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal fusion device is disclosed. The spinal fusion device includes a first endplate configured for fitting within a disc space and engaging with a first vertebra and a second endplate configured for fitting within the disc space and engaging with a second vertebra. The two endplates are separated by a single spacer that is positioned between the first endplate and the second endplate and maintains a pre-determined distance between the first endplate and the second endplate. The spacer contains an anterior end, a posterior end, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side, a first surface that engages with the first endplate, a second surface that engages with the second endplate. Also disclosed are methods and instruments for implanting the spinal fusion device.