Spinal Implant Flexible Surface Patterns for Vertebral Conformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implants and instruments often have rigid surfaces that do not conform to the natural curvatures of the vertebrae, leading to gaps and potential dislocation, and require cumbersome manual manipulation, making minimally invasive procedures difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
Development of implants and instruments with flexible patterns, including continuous lines of material, to mimic the natural curvatures of the spine, allowing for better fit, reduced dislocation, and easier insertion and manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If rigid surfaces are used in spinal implants, then structural strength is maintained, but the implant cannot conform to natural vertebral curvatures, creating gaps and increasing dislocation risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible patterns consisting of continuous lines of material embedded in or on the implant surface. These flexible elements allow the implant surface to deform and conform to the natural curvatures of adjacent vertebral bodies while maintaining overall structural integrity. The flexible pattern acts as a compliant interface that adapts to anatomical variations without compromising the rigid support function of the implant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties of the implant by introducing flexible patterns that change the mechanical parameters of the surface layer. The continuous lines of material create a surface with variable flexibility, allowing it to adapt its shape to match vertebral curvatures while the bulk material maintains its strength. This parameter change enables the implant to transition from a purely rigid structure to one with controlled flexibility at the interface.
2Reliability
If rigid fixation devices are used, then spinal stability is achieved, but insertion requires large incisions and extensive manual manipulation, increasing surgical time and tissue disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible pattern on the implant surface allows the device to be more compliant during insertion, requiring less force and manipulation. The ability of the surface to flex and adapt during the insertion process enables surgeons to place the implant through smaller incisions with less tissue disruption, while the implant maintains its rigid stabilizing function once positioned.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid implant surfaces are used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but bone growth is delayed due to gaps between implant and vertebral body
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible pattern creates a surface that can adapt to the exact contours of the vertebral body, eliminating gaps between the implant and bone. This continuous contact surface promotes immediate bone-to-implant contact and accelerates bone growth without requiring post-manufacturing adjustments. The manufacturing precision is maintained in producing the flexible pattern, while the biological outcome is improved through better anatomical conformity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an implant includes a body having a surface with a flexible pattern defined by a plurality of material segments including a first material segment and a second material segment. The first material segment abuts the second material segment. Further, the first material segment includes a first non-linear shape extending between a first end and a second end while the second material segment includes a second non-linear shape extending between a first end and a second end. The two material segments are interconnected such that one of the first end and the second end of the first non-linear shape is interconnected with one of the first end and the second end of the second non-linear shape.