Spinal Implants with Engineered Cellular Structure and Imaging Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implants lack a combination of structural integrity and porous structures necessary for effective bone growth and fusion, while also requiring improved navigation and alignment during implantation.
Innovation Solution
Spinal fusion devices with an engineered, porous cellular structure and internal imaging markers are developed, allowing for enhanced osteosynthesis and precise visualization during insertion, utilizing additive manufacturing techniques to create a unitary body with both solid and porous components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a solid metal framework is used to provide structural support, then mechanical strength is improved, but porosity for bone growth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by creating a metal framework with interconnected porous structures that allow bone ingrowth while maintaining mechanical strength. The porous portions are integrated into the solid framework to provide both structural support and biological functionality for osteosynthesis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining solid metal framework regions with porous metal regions in a single implant structure. This composite approach allows different portions of the implant to serve different functions: solid regions provide mechanical strength while porous regions facilitate bone growth and vascularization.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional manufacturing techniques are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ability to create integrated solid and porous structures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing advanced manufacturing parameters such as selective laser melting or 3D printing techniques that enable the creation of complex porous structures within solid frameworks. These manufacturing parameter changes allow integration of multiple functions in a single manufacturing process.
3Device complexity
If no imaging markers are included, then device complexity is reduced, but navigation and alignment precision during implantation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes or visual contrast changes by incorporating imaging markers that appear radiopaque or have distinct imaging characteristics under fluoroscopy or CT scanning. These markers provide visual contrast against the surrounding tissue and implant structure, enabling precise navigation and alignment during the surgical procedure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The embodiments provide spinal fusion devices such as interbody fusion and vertebral replacement devices for insertion into a patient's intervertebral disc space for restoring disc height, or for treating a deficient vertebral column by replacing and restoring the bony anatomy respectively. These fusion devices may be provided with an engineered cellular structure component to support biological activity and promote new bone growth. In addition, these fusion devices can also include internal imaging markers that allow the user to properly align the device and generally facilitate insertion. The imaging marker shows up as a solid body amongst the mesh under x-ray, fluoroscopy, CT scan, or other visualization techniques.