Spinal Implant Tapered Tip Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implants with bullet-type noses are easier to insert but offer less interface area with vertebral endplates, and when inserted posteriorly, they occupy space where bone graft is needed for arthrodesis, compromising fusion effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A spinal implant with a distal end and inserter system featuring a resilient latching surface and a tapered distal tip, allowing for optimal contact area with vertebral endplates while facilitating insertion, and enabling the implant to be anchored with serrations for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bullet-type nose is used on the implant, then ease of insertion is improved, but contact area with endplates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into distinct functional zones: a tapered distal tip for insertion and a blunt proximal end for endplate contact. This segmentation allows each portion to serve its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserter acts as an intermediary tool that enables the blunt-nosed implant to be inserted effectively. The inserter's tapered tip performs the penetration function while the implant's blunt end maintains its optimal contact surface area.
2Ease of operation
If a bullet-type nose is used on the implant, then ease of insertion is improved, but space for bone graft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The implant geometry is segmented into a tapered distal tip for insertion and a blunt proximal body for bone graft accommodation. This ensures the bullet-nose insertion advantage is isolated to the tip while the main body preserves adequate volume for bone graft placement.
3Area of stationary object
If a blunt nose is used on the implant, then contact area with endplates is improved, but ease of insertion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is segmented into a tapered distal tip for insertion and a blunt proximal end for endplate contact. This allows the blunt nose to maintain optimal contact area while the tapered tip provides insertion advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserter serves as an intermediary that overcomes the insertion difficulty of blunt-nosed implants. The inserter's tapered tip facilitates penetration while the implant's blunt end maintains its optimal contact surface.
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 solution provides improved contact area and anchoring of the spinal implant, enhancing fusion by optimizing the interface with vertebral endplates and allowing for efficient insertion and stabilization, thereby promoting effective arthrodesis.
Implementation Method 1
The distal end of the inserter includes a resilient latching surface in releasable engagement with the engagement surface of said implant body
Implementation Method 2
the distal tip comprising a tapered surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in spinal interbody fusion comprises, in combination, a spinal interbody fusion implant and an inserter releasably attached thereto. The implant comprises a hollow interior through which the inserter extends, the inserter having a tapered distal tip projecting exteriorly beyond the distal end of the implant to initially distract opposing tissue surfaces and to facilitate insertion of the implant into the intradiscal space between the vertebral bodies.