Spinal Interbody Spacer with Surface Projections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional interbody spacers used in spinal fusion procedures are cumbersome to insert due to stationary threads, leading to potential damage to bone and tissue, increased patient discomfort, and prolonged healing times.

Innovation Solution

An interbody spacer with a unique surface pattern of surface projections, designed to aid bone growth and attachment, constructed from medical-grade titanium using 3D printing techniques, allowing for improved stability and integration between vertebrae.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional interbody spacers with stationary threads are used, then the spacer can be securely attached to the inserter, but the insertion process becomes cumbersome and causes damage to bone and tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the stationary thread attachment system into a dynamic push-pull wire system that can flexibly engage and disengage from the inserter. The wire runs through a channel in the inserter and can be pulled to secure the spacer or pushed to release it, eliminating the need for complex threading operations that damage tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the thread system from the spacer design and replaces it with a wire mechanism that remains within the inserter channel. This separation allows the spacer to have a simpler geometry without protruding threads, reducing tissue damage during insertion and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional two-step insertion process is used, then the spacer can be placed in the anterior aspect of the disc space, but the procedure time increases and patient discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespacer placement precisionVSAvoidhealing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer is pre-loaded onto the inserter using the wire mechanism before the surgical procedure. The wire is threaded through the inserter channel and secured to the spacer in advance, allowing for a single-step insertion process during surgery rather than requiring post-insertion adjustments or releases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the attachment and insertion functions into a single integrated action. By using the push-pull wire system that operates within the inserter channel, the spacer can be both secured to and inserted into the disc space in one continuous motion, eliminating the need for separate release and tamping steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If smooth surface interbody spacers are used, then the insertion process is simpler, but bone growth and attachment are impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion easeVSAvoidbone attachment strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different surface qualities to different regions of the spacer. The front surface maintains a smooth finish for easy insertion, while the rear surface incorporates a porous structure that promotes bone ingrowth and attachment. This regional differentiation allows both easy insertion and strong bone integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a porous coating or structure on the rear surface of the interbody spacer. This porous layer provides a scaffold for bone cells to attach and grow into, significantly enhancing bone integration and attachment strength while not interfering with the smooth front surface insertion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 interbody spacer with surface projections facilitates easier insertion and enhances bone integration, reducing tissue damage and healing time while providing segmental stability and promoting bone growth between vertebrae.

Implementation Method 1

The interbody spacer has one or more unique surfaces designed to aid in bone growth and attachment. The unique surface comprises one or more surface projections, referred to generally as surface projection patterns or matrixes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking:

Implementation Method 2

constructed from medical-grade titanium using 3D printing techniques

Methodology Applied

Scientific Effect3D printing: 3D Printing

Data Source

PatentUS11969350B2Spinal implant with surface projections

Publication Date: 2024.04.30 BEACON BIOMEDICAL LLC

AI summary

An interbody spacer for use in spinal procedures. The interbody spacer has one or more surfaces with a unique surface pattern. The interbody spacer is preferably designed for use as an intervertebral spacer in spinal fusion surgery, where portions of an affected disc are removed from between two adjacent vertebrae and replaced with an interbody spacer that provides segmental stability, may correct a deformity, and allows for bone to grow between the two vertebrae to bridge the gap created by disk removal. The interbody spacer has one or more unique surfaces designed to aid in bone growth and attachment. The unique surface comprises one or more surface projections, referred to generally as surface projection pattern or matrix, which can be arranged to form unique patterns and structures.