Spinal Fusion Cage with Spiral Screw Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cages for spinal interbody fusion lack stability and often require extensive time for fixation, leading to potential displacement and delayed fusion of vertebral bodies during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A cage assembly with spiral-shaped screw parts on its upper and lower surfaces and a hollow section for bone grafting, allowing self-fixation and facilitating bone fusion between vertebral bodies, applicable to various spinal fusion procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cages with sawtooth structures are used for spinal interbody fusion, then the cage can be inserted between vertebral bodies, but the cage cannot stay fixed and requires additional pedicle screws for stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the cage body with integrated screw parts formed directly on its upper and lower surfaces. The screw parts are formed as integral components of the cage body, merging the cage placement function with the fixation function into a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate fixation devices
Solution Approach 2:
The cage assembly serves multiple functions: it provides interbody spacing, facilitates bone graft insertion through the hollow part, and provides self-fixation through the spiral screw parts. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate fixation devices while maintaining ease of insertion
2Reliability
If conventional cages require pedicle screws for fixation, then the cage can be stabilized, but the surgical time increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The screw parts are formed as integrated segments on the cage body surfaces, allowing the fixation function to be achieved through the cage structure itself rather than requiring separate fixation components and procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The cage assembly performs self-fixation through its integrated spiral screw parts that engage with the vertebral bodies. The structure is designed to secure itself without requiring external fixation devices or additional surgical steps for stabilization
3Productivity
If conventional cages are used for spinal fusion, then the procedure can be performed, but the cages may be displaced and fusion of vertebral bodies is retarded
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation function is merged into the cage body through integrated spiral screw parts, ensuring that the cage and fixation mechanism move together as a unified structure, preventing displacement during and after insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral shape of the screw parts provides curved engagement surfaces that naturally resist displacement forces. The spiral geometry creates mechanical interlocking with the vertebral bodies, enhancing positional stability through its curved form
4Ease of manufacture
If cages with simple structures are used, then the manufacturing is easier, but the fixation stability is insufficient without additional screws
Solution Approach 1:
The screw parts are formed as integral components of the cage body through additive manufacturing or other forming processes. This merging of structures allows complex fixation functionality to be achieved without requiring assembly of multiple separate parts, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing stability
Solution Approach 2:
The cage assembly integrates different functional elements (cage body, screw parts, hollow bone graft chamber) into a single composite structure that combines the mechanical properties needed for both insertion and stable fixation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cage assembly for spinal interbody fusion comprising: a main body which is inserted between a vertebral body of a spine from which a disc is removed, and a neighboring vertebral body; a first screw part which is formed on the upper surface of the main body, and which has a spiral shape formed along a first direction heading outward from the center; a second screw part which is formed on the lower surface of the main body, and which has a spiral shape formed along a second direction heading outward from the center; and a space part which is formed to penetrate the upper surface and the lower surface of the main body, and which enables the bones forming the vertebral body and the neighboring vertebral body to fuse together. The purpose of the present invention is to promote the smooth progress of surgery for the bone fusion of two neighboring vertebral bodies, or more than two vertebral bodies, forming the spine.