Spinal Implant Midline Insertion Apertures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal implants often subside after implantation, leading to loosening or damage of vertebral bodies due to weight exertion, and they can be difficult to insert using a midline approach, especially in patients with prior surgical conditions or obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A spinal implant designed for midline insertion with an anterior portion featuring apertures that allow for predetermined nutation of fixation elements, enabling toggling and anti-migration features to accommodate subsidence while providing rigid fixation, and made from biocompatible materials like stainless steel or PEEK.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid fixation is provided by attaching the implant to vertebral bodies using fixation elements, then immediate stability is achieved, but the implant tends to subside and cause loosening or damage to vertebral bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is designed to permit nutation (angular movement) of the fixation element, transforming the rigid fixation system into a dynamic one that can accommodate implant subsidence. This allows the fixation element to toggle between positions, maintaining fixation strength while preventing the harmful effects of subsidence-induced loosening or vertebral body damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the implant is designed for midline insertion to minimize muscle intrusion, then soft tissue damage is reduced, but the implant may be difficult to insert in patients with prior surgical conditions or obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The implant incorporates an anterior portion with specifically positioned apertures that can be accessed during midline insertion. This segmented design allows the fixation elements to be inserted through the anterior portion of the implant, providing a clear pathway that avoids obstacles in the midline approach while still achieving posterior fixation to the vertebral bodies.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the fixation element is rigidly fixed to the implant, then immediate stability is provided, but the fixation element cannot accommodate implant subsidence
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture geometry is specifically designed to permit nutation of the fixation element, creating a dynamic connection that maintains stability while adapting to subsidence. The fixation element can toggle within the aperture, providing immediate stability upon insertion while accommodating subsequent implant settling without losing fixation integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal implant comprising: a substantially D-shaped body having an upper surface, a lower surface, an anterior portion, a posterior portion, curved sidewalls and a central opening extending between the upper and lower surfaces; and one or more apertures within the anterior portion of the body for receiving a fixation element, the one or more apertures comprising a first aperture centrally located on the anterior portion and two apertures laterally located on the anterior portion; wherein at least one of the apertures is configured to permit a predetermined amount of nutation by the fixation elements; and the body defines a generally wedge shaped structure suitable for a midline insertion approach.