Spinal Interbody Spacer With Spring-Loaded Rivet System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal interbody spacers face issues with fastener stability due to anatomical forces, leading to potential loosening and migration of bone screws, which compromises the effectiveness of spinal fusion and pain relief.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a housing and contact plate joined by rivets with springs that adjust the distance between them, allowing for a compressive load to be maintained between vertebrae, promoting bone fusion and stability through a combination of polymer and metal materials, and features like gripping members and spring-loaded ramps to ensure secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bone screws are used to secure the interbody spacer to the spine, then the implant can be fixed in position, but the screws may vibrate or toggle out of position due to anatomical forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static bone screw fasteners with a dynamic spring-loaded rivet system. The springs allow the contact plate to maintain constant compressive force on the vertebrae while accommodating physiological movements and vibrations, preventing the fasteners from loosening or toggling out of position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the fastening system by introducing elastic elements (springs) that can dynamically adjust the compressive force. This allows the system to maintain optimal contact pressure between the implant and bone while absorbing vibrational energy that would otherwise cause screw loosening.
2Strength
If the interbody spacer is designed with rigid structure to withstand anatomical forces, then it can provide stable support, but it becomes difficult to implant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spring-loaded structure that can be compressed during implantation to reduce its profile for easier insertion, then automatically expands to provide full structural support and withstand anatomical forces once positioned. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ease of implantation and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are pre-loaded to provide cushioning and shock absorption capabilities before anatomical forces are applied. This allows the implant to be softer and more compliant during implantation, then provides robust force resistance when activated by physiological loads.
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
This configuration enhances the stability of the interbody spacer, maintains a consistent compressive load for improved bone fusion, and evenly distributes forces to reduce pain and damage, outperforming current solutions by promoting higher fusion rates and improved anatomical alignment.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of springs are positioned with each spring configured to encircle a respective rivet and translate the distance between the housing and contact plate from a minimum distance to a maximum distance
Data Source
AI summary
An interbody spacer for a spine includes a housing having a plurality of clearance holes configured to engage bone of the spine. A contact plate including a plurality of apertures is positioned a distance away from the housing configured to engage bone of the spine. A plurality of rivets adjoin the housing and the contact plate. A plurality of springs are included with each spring configured to encircle a respective rivet and translate the distance between the housing and contact plate from a minimum distance to a maximum distance.