Standalone Interbody Implants with Embedded Titanium Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fixation devices for spinal stabilization, particularly those using non-metallic materials like PEEK, lack sufficient strength to support fixation elements, and their profile can be obstructive, necessitating a solution that provides additional support and minimizes anterior protrusion while allowing for direct anterior approach without disrupting vascular anatomy.
Innovation Solution
The development of stand-alone interbody fusion implants with a spacer and insert or member configurations that include apertures for fixation elements, featuring a frame with endplates and spring features to enhance stability and mimic the elasticity of bone, allowing for secure attachment to vertebrae while maintaining a low profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a spacer is made solely from non-metallic materials like PEEK, then the profile is minimized and direct anterior approach is facilitated, but the strength to support fixation elements is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining non-metallic spacer material (PEEK) with metallic reinforcement elements (titanium mesh or rods). The titanium reinforcement is embedded within the PEEK spacer, creating a composite structure that provides both the strength needed for fixation element support and the low-profile characteristics of non-metallic materials. This resolves the contradiction by integrating two materials with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is divided into distinct functional regions: a non-metallic outer structure providing low profile and biocompatibility, and embedded metallic reinforcement elements providing structural strength. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function while working together as a unified device.
2Reliability
If a plate is provided for fixation, then stabilization is achieved, but the profile becomes obstructive to the anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin, low-profile spacer shell made of PEEK that replaces the traditional bulky plate. The spacer maintains spinal stabilization through its structural design and embedded reinforcement, while its thin profile eliminates the obstructive protrusion characteristic of conventional plates. The flexible yet strong construction allows stabilization without excessive external profile.
3Reliability
If fixation elements are added to the spacer, then stabilization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spacer and fixation elements into a single integrated device. The metallic reinforcement elements are embedded within the spacer during manufacturing, creating a unified structure where the spacer and fixation components function as one device. This reduces overall system complexity compared to separate spacer and fixation device assemblies.
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
These implants provide effective spinal stabilization, promote fusion between vertebrae, and allow for natural movement by emulating bone elasticity, thus addressing the strength and profile issues of existing devices while facilitating a direct anterior approach.
Implementation Method 1
spring features to enhance stability and mimic the elasticity of bone, allowing for secure attachment to vertebrae while maintaining a low profile
Data Source
AI summary
Stand-alone interbody fusion devices for engagement between adjacent vertebrae. The stand-alone interbody fusion devices may include a spacer or endplates and one or more inserts, members, or frames coupled to the spacer or endplates. The inserts, members, or frames may be configured and designed to provide the apertures which are designed to retain bone fasteners, such as screws or anchors, and secure the implant to the adjacent vertebrae.