Transsacral Spinal Implant Segmentation and Composite Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization and arthrodesis techniques, particularly in minimally invasive spinal surgery, face limitations in achieving flexible and stable spinal fusion while minimizing trauma and adverse events, such as loss of spinal alignment and subsidence, especially in complex spinal disorders with varying anatomical conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of preformed cages, spacers, and plugs made from biocompatible materials like titanium, Nitinol, and PEEK, which can be implanted via a trans-sacral approach to provide additional stability, flexibility, and strength, allowing for axial and lateral deployment within the disc space, and are designed to promote bone growth and prevent subsidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spinal stabilization techniques are used, then spinal fusion can be achieved, but trauma to surrounding tissues and loss of spinal alignment occur
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple functional segments: a sacral portion for anchoring in the sacrum, a body portion for receiving bone graft, and an interbody portion for spinal fusion. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while minimizing overall trauma through the transsacral approach
Solution Approach 2:
The implant serves as an intermediary device between the sacrum and the spinal vertebrae, providing a stable bridge that maintains alignment while allowing minimally invasive insertion. The device mediates the load transfer and structural support without requiring extensive dissection of surrounding tissues
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive trans-sacral approach is used, then tissue trauma is reduced, but implant stability and strength are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The implant utilizes composite material properties combining a rigid sacral portion for secure anchoring with a porous body portion for bone ingrowth. This composite structure achieves both minimal insertion trauma and maximum long-term stability through biological integration
Solution Approach 2:
The body portion of the implant features a porous structure that allows bone tissue to grow into and through the device. This porous architecture provides mechanical interlocking strength while maintaining the minimally invasive nature of the transsacral insertion approach
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible implant design is used, then adaptation to varying anatomical conditions is improved, but structural strength and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The implant incorporates dynamic elements including a resilient interbody portion that can flex and adapt to the natural movement and varying anatomy of the spinal column. This dynamic design maintains structural integrity while accommodating physiological motion and anatomical variations
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are surgical implants for providing therapy to a treatment site, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and deploying the implants within the spines. The treatment site may be a vertebral body, disc, and/or motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine.