Spinal Interbody Spacer with Rotating Torsional Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intervertebral spacers lack flexibility and ease-of-use during surgical insertion, as they often require a fixed alignment with the insertion tool, which can limit the surgeon's ability to adjust the approach angle based on varying surgical conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of intervertebral spacers with a leading end and a trailing end featuring a post that torsionally engages with an insertion tool at multiple angles, allowing for adjustable angular orientation and rotation during placement, along with tooth patterns and interdigitation features for improved mechanical interlocking and osseointegration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed alignment tool is used for spacer insertion, then the insertion process is simple and reliable, but the surgeon loses flexibility to adjust approach angle based on varying surgical conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer incorporates a rotatable engagement member that allows dynamic adjustment of angular orientation during insertion. The engagement member can rotate relative to the spacer body, enabling the surgeon to change the approach angle from a fixed insertion path to multiple adjustable angles, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is divided into functionally independent segments: a spacer body and a separate engagement member. This segmentation allows the engagement member to rotate independently relative to the spacer body, providing angular adjustability while maintaining a simple overall insertion mechanism that preserves ease of operation
2Manufacturing precision
If the spacer is designed with a fixed insertion orientation, then the manufacturing and insertion process is simplified, but the precision of alignment with the patient's anatomy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement member is designed to rotate freely relative to the spacer body during insertion, allowing precise angular alignment to be achieved dynamically during the surgical procedure rather than being fixed during manufacturing. This provides manufacturing simplicity while achieving high precision alignment through post-manufacturing rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement member acts as an intermediary element between the insertion tool and the spacer body. It receives the insertion force and then can rotate to achieve the desired angular orientation, thereby achieving precise alignment without complicating the basic insertion mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral spacer includes a leading end, a trailing end comprising an opening having a clearance and a post positioned across the clearance. The post has an external surface configured to accept an extending portion of an insertion tool and to torsionally engage a complementary surface of the insertion tool at a plurality of different angles.