Tapered Spinal Disc Core for Vertebral Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal disc replacement technologies do not effectively address the need for a resilient and stable artificial disc that can mimic the natural movement and load distribution of a healthy spinal disc, particularly in terms of deflection and stress distribution between vertebrae.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a resilient core with a tapered radially outer surface and flanges on retaining devices that engage the core, allowing it to deflect and stiffen under load, providing stability and movement similarity to natural spinal discs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an artificial disc with elastomeric core and retaining members is used, then spinal disc replacement function is provided, but the ability to mimic natural spinal disc movement and load distribution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The core surface geometry is changed from flat to contoured with varying radii of curvature. The first surface has a first radius of curvature and the second surface has a second radius of curvature, allowing the core to deform in a manner that mimics natural spinal disc movement patterns while maintaining structural integrity under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient core incorporates contoured surfaces with specific radii of curvature rather than flat surfaces. This curvature design enables the core to distribute loads more naturally and replicate the deformation characteristics of healthy spinal discs during physiological movement.
2Ease of operation
If the resilient core deflects under load to provide movement, then natural-like motion is achieved, but stress distribution and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the resilient core are designed with different geometric properties. The contoured surfaces with varying radii of curvature create local variations in stiffness and stress distribution, allowing the core to deflect freely in certain areas while maintaining stability and proper stress distribution in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The core geometry is designed to dynamically adapt to applied loads. The contoured surfaces allow the core to change its deformation pattern based on the magnitude and direction of applied forces, providing natural-like movement during physiological loading while maintaining structural stability.
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 enables stable and natural-like movement between vertebrae, reducing stress on the artificial disc and maintaining its structural integrity over time.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient core has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface engages the inner surface of the first retaining device. The second surface engages the inner surface of the second retaining device. The resilient core has a tapered radially outer surface extending from adjacent the first surface to adjacent the second surface.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes a first retaining device having an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface. A second retaining device has an outer surface engageable with a second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface. A resilient core has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface engages the inner surface of the first retaining device. The second surface engages the inner surface of the second retaining device. The resilient core has a tapered radially outer surface extending from adjacent the first surface to adjacent the second surface. The first retaining device may have a flange extending toward the second retaining device. A concave surface may extend between the first surface and the radially outer surface. The concave surface of the core may engage the flange when the apparatus is free of a load.