Transforaminal Spinal Disc with Arcuate Slots and Mechanical Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic spinal discs for transforaminal implantation often lead to spinal instability due to the removal of facet joints, and there is a need for a single implant that can convert a prosthetic disc into a fusion device while minimizing structural wear and maintaining natural movement.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic spinal disc design featuring a first endplate with a concave contact surface and a second endplate with convex and arcuate slots, connected by a plate to restrict motion, allowing for customizable height and incorporating mechanical stops to limit movement and reduce wear on the spine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If facet joints are removed to access the intervertebral space via transforaminal approach, then access to the intervertebral space is improved, but spinal stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple functional components: upper endplate, lower endplate, and connecting plate, each serving specific purposes. The connecting plate with arcuate slots provides rotational freedom while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between access and stability by creating a segmented structure that balances both requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant incorporates dynamic elements including the arcuate slots that allow rotation and movement, and the convex-concave contact surfaces that enable controlled articulation. This dynamic design maintains spinal stability while accommodating natural motion, addressing the contradiction between stability and operational access.
2Reliability
If motion of the disc is limited to convert it into a fusion implant, then fusion is achieved, but the complexity of the implant increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed as a universal device that can function both as a mobile prosthetic disc and as a fusion implant. The connecting plate with arcuate slots allows the same structure to provide either motion control or fusion, eliminating the need for separate implants and reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design merges the functions of a prosthetic disc and a fusion implant into a single integrated structure. The connecting plate combines motion-limiting features with structural support, and the convex-concave contact surfaces serve both articulation and fusion purposes, reducing implant complexity while achieving fusion capability.
3Ease of operation
If the prosthetic disc allows natural movement, then mobility is maintained, but wear on facet joints increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting plate acts as an intermediary element between the upper and lower endplates, distributing forces and reducing direct contact stress on the facet joints. The arcuate slots and convex-concave surfaces mediate the movement, allowing natural motion while minimizing harmful wear through controlled force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic articulation surfaces with convex-concave geometry allow natural movement while controlling the distribution of contact forces. This dynamic design reduces peak stresses and wear on the facet joints by distributing loads across larger contact areas during motion.
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral prosthetic implant having a first endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a first vertebral body and a second surface having an extension with a concave contact surface, the concave contact surface being spaced apart from the second surface. A second endplate is provided with a first surface configured to substantially engage with a second vertebral body and a second surface comprising a convex contact surface, and the second endplate having a securing element positioned along and above the second surface defining a first and second window on opposing sides of the second surface. The securing element extends along the width and length of the lower endplate and configured with an access hole. An extension portion extends from the first surface of the first endplate through the access hole of the securing element and contacts the second surface of the second endplate.