Intervertebral Spinal Implant with Pivoting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved intervertebral implants that facilitate fusion, restore height and lordosis, and allow for safe navigation past neural elements during implantation.
Innovation Solution
The intervertebral implant features a pivoting mechanism for in-situ articulation, a central lumen for bone graft material, and volumetric, interconnected porosity to encourage bone growth and fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the implant is inserted in a fixed position, then the implantation process is simple, but the implant cannot be optimally positioned relative to patient anatomy or navigate past neural elements
Solution Approach 1:
The implant incorporates a pivoting mechanism that transforms a static implant structure into a dynamic one, allowing the implant to rotate from an initial insertion position to a final operational position. This dynamic capability enables the implant to navigate past neural elements and achieve optimal positioning relative to patient anatomy without requiring complex surgical maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is divided into functional segments including a body portion, a pivoting mechanism with track and dimple, and a blocking member. This segmentation allows the implant to perform multiple functions: insertion in one position, pivoting to another position, and locking to maintain the final position, thereby achieving adaptability without excessive overall complexity.
2Strength
If the implant uses dense solid structure, then the implant strength is high, but bone growth into the implant is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The implant incorporates porous structures within its body that facilitate bone growth into the implant material. These porous regions provide pathways for osteoconduction while maintaining sufficient structural strength through the overall implant geometry and material selection. The porous architecture allows bone ingrowth without compromising the mechanical integrity required to support spinal loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant exhibits varying structural properties in different regions: dense solid structures in areas requiring high mechanical strength to support loading, and porous structures in areas where bone growth and integration are prioritized. This local differentiation of material properties optimizes both structural performance and biological integration.
3Reliability
If the implant lacks articulation capability, then the implantation procedure is straightforward, but the implant cannot be safely positioned relative to neural elements
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting mechanism is pre-configured within the implant structure, with the track and dimple positioned to guide the rotation from insertion to final position. This preliminary arrangement of components ensures that the articulation function is automatically available during implantation, allowing surgeons to navigate past neural elements safely without requiring complex real-time adjustments or additional surgical instruments.
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 implant enables safe and optimal placement relative to patient anatomy, promotes faster and stronger intervertebral fusion through bone integration, and supports a wide range of spinal loading conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The pivoting member is configured to slide along the at least one track and articulate from an initial position to a final position. The dimple may act as a pivot point for the pivoting member, and the at least one track may extend along an arc having a constant radius from the pivot point.
Implementation Method 2
The implants of the disclosure incorporate a volumetric, interconnected porosity throughout the entire spacer. This enables bone to grow into and/or through the spacer, making it part of the fusion mass. The incorporation of a volumetric, interconnected porosity within the implant may encourage faster, stronger intervertebral fusion.
Implementation Method 3
The implant may be constructed by typical manufacturing processes (e.g., manufactured from a titanium alloy) or may be constructed by additive manufacturing, such as 3D printing. The additive manufacturing may incorporate a volumetric, interconnected porosity through the entire spacer or a portion thereof.
Data Source
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AI summary
An intervertebral implant for implantation in an intervertebral space between vertebrae. The implant includes a body, an articulating element, and a blocking member. The articulating element can articulate in-situ, thereby allowing articulation of the spinal implant into a desired position within the disc space.