Spinal Interbody Spacer Cage Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved intervertebral spinal implants that prevent migration within the disc space between vertebrae until bone fusion occurs, as existing devices lack sufficient stabilization and securement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a spacer and a cage with a locking mechanism, featuring threads, deflection inserts, and a cam system that connects and stabilizes the cage to the spacer, allowing for secure engagement with vertebrae through rotation, thereby preventing migration and facilitating bone fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional intervertebral implants are used without supplemental fixation, then the implant structure is simple, but the implant migrates within the disc space between vertebrae
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into two functional components: a spacer that maintains disc space and a cage that provides stabilization. The cage can be inserted into the spacer, creating a segmented structure that combines the benefits of both components while allowing independent optimization of each part's function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage is designed to be inserted into the spacer, creating a nested configuration where one component fits within another. This nesting approach allows the stabilizing cage to be positioned within the spacer structure, providing reinforcement without significantly increasing the overall implant footprint.
2Reliability
If supplemental fixation mechanisms are added to prevent migration, then the implant stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage includes self-engaging features such as barbs or hooks that automatically secure to the vertebrae upon insertion. This self-service mechanism provides supplemental fixation without requiring additional active components or complex locking systems, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving reliable stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage structure incorporates curved or contoured surfaces that conform to the natural geometry of the vertebral bodies. This curvature allows the cage to engage more effectively with the vertebrae, providing stabilization through geometric interlocking rather than complex mechanical fasteners.
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 solution provides enhanced stabilization and securement of the implant between vertebrae, preventing migration and ensuring effective bone fusion by engaging the vertebrae threads, thus addressing the existing need for improved spinal implant stability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring loaded post
Implementation Method 2
a cam
Implementation Method 3
The first end of the cage may include threads, and/or one or more deflection inserts that engage receiving threads and/or indentations in the proximal end wall of the spacer to create a locking connection between the cage and the spacer.
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral or spinal implant having a spacer, a cage, and a locking mechanism, where the locking mechanism may be configured to facilitate a connection between the spacer and the cage. In some cases, the spacer may include a distal end wall, a proximal end wall, a first lateral wall, and a second lateral wall, where the locking mechanism may be situated at the proximal end wall adjacent a receiving opening in the proximal end wall. The implant may have one or more spikes extending from a top and/or a bottom of the spacer to facilitate stabilizing the implant between vertebrae after insertion of the implant in the spinal column.