3D Printed Spinal Implant with Circular Ring Lattice for Vertebral Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printed spinal implants lack elastic force, leading to subsidence of vertebrae surfaces and inadequate buffering of pressure and impact, which complicates bone fusion and post-fusion spinal stability.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printed spinal implant with a unit structure featuring circular rings arranged in specific patterns to provide elastic force, including layers with intersecting rings and a main frame for accommodating the bone fusion unit, which disperses and supports pressure and impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a solid structure intervertebral fusion cage made of metal material is used, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the facing surfaces of the vertebrae subside after the procedure is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous lattice structure instead of a solid metal cage. This porous structure reduces the overall density and stiffness of the implant, allowing it to better match the mechanical properties of surrounding bone tissue and prevent stress shielding. The porous architecture enables vertical compression deformation to absorb impact forces while preventing vertebrae subsidence, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and vertebral surface stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters by introducing a lattice configuration with specific cell sizes and wall thicknesses. This parameter modification allows the implant to achieve optimal balance between strength and compliance, enabling it to provide structural support while simultaneously absorbing vertical loads to prevent subsidence of the facing vertebrae surfaces.
2Reliability
If a mesh structure with linear lattice shape is used to improve bone fusion, then bone fusion is enhanced, but elastic force for buffering pressure and impact is not generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous lattice structure into multiple vertical compression deformation regions with different cell configurations. This segmentation creates localized zones that can deform vertically to generate elastic force for buffering impact, while the overall mesh structure maintains its bone fusion enhancement capability. The segmented design allows simultaneous achievement of both bone fusion promotion and elastic force generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics by designing the lattice structure to exhibit vertical compression deformation under load. The lattice cells are configured to collapse and rebound in a controlled manner, providing dynamic elastic force generation during impact events. This dynamic behavior enables the implant to buffer pressure and impact forces while maintaining the static mesh structure necessary for bone fusion.
3Reliability
If existing 3D printing manufacturing method is used to create porous structure, then bone fusion is improved, but elastic force is not generated during the bone fusion process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different lattice densities and configurations within the same implant structure. Areas closer to the vertebrae interfaces have optimized cell structures for vertical compression deformation to provide elastic support and prevent subsidence during bone fusion. Other regions maintain the mesh structure for bone ingrowth, achieving local optimization of both stability and bone fusion properties.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The spinal implant effectively prevents subsidence and enhances bone fusion by generating elastic force similar to natural vertebrae, maintaining stability and functionality over time.
Implementation Method 1
a 3D printed spinal implant with a unit structure featuring circular rings arranged in specific patterns
Implementation Method 2
capable of implementing elastic force like the existing vertebrae while bone fusion is performed
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a spinal implant having a unit structure printed by using a 3D printer, which is inserted between a vertebra and an adjacent vertebra and in which unit bodies constituted by at least one or more circular rings are repeated with a certain pattern. The spinal implant may implement elastic force like the existing vertebrae while bone fusion is performed as well as a state in which the bone fusion is completed after a procedure to obtain superior procedure results.