Triangular Vertebral Plate for Stable Cervical Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertebral plates used in anterior cervical discectomy with fusion surgeries face issues such as inter-body cages telescoping or subsiding into adjacent vertebral bodies due to differences in biomechanical properties, poor bone quality, and micromotion, leading to screw failure and plate instability.
Innovation Solution
A vertebral plate with a modified triangular frame, screw holes at each corner, and features like a viewing window, notches, and a bend for screw trajectory, made of titanium, designed for cervical vertebrae, requiring fewer screw holes and providing better stability and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional vertebral plates with complex structure and large profile are used, then stability is improved, but the number of screw holes required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertebral plate is divided into a triangular configuration with three corners, each containing a screw hole. This segmentation into three strategic attachment points provides sufficient stability while minimizing the number of screw holes compared to conventional plates that require multiple screws distributed across a larger profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate employs an asymmetric triangular shape rather than a symmetric conventional design. This asymmetric geometry optimizes the distribution of mechanical loads across the three screw holes, achieving stable fixation with fewer attachment points while accommodating the anatomical constraints of cervical vertebrae.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional vertebral plates are used, then coverage area is improved, but subsidence of inter-body cages occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The three screw holes are strategically positioned at the corners of the triangular plate to engage with the strongest portions of the vertebral bodies before load is applied. This preliminary positioning of screws at optimal locations prevents subsequent subsidence of the inter-body cage by establishing secure anchor points that resist compressive forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The triangular plate design with rounded corners and curved edges allows for better adaptation to the curved surfaces of vertebral bodies. This curvature enables the plate to conform to the anatomical geometry, distributing loads more evenly and preventing stress concentration that could lead to subsidence.
3Strength
If conventional vertebral plates with multiple screws are used, then fixation strength is improved, but surgical time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts only the essential three screw attachment points needed for adequate fixation, eliminating unnecessary additional screws and holes found in conventional plates. This reduction to the minimum necessary number of fixation points maintains sufficient fixation strength while significantly reducing the time required for drill hole creation and screw insertion during surgery.
4Strength
If conventional vertebral plates are used, then structural support is improved, but profile size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate transitions from a conventional larger planar design to a compact triangular configuration that utilizes vertical stacking and three-dimensional spatial arrangement. The triangular geometry with optimized thickness provides sufficient structural support through its geometric rigidity and material distribution, achieving adequate strength with a reduced overall profile that fits within the constrained cervical spine anatomy.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertebral plate and method is disclosed. The vertebral plate comprises a frame having a triangular shape. A screw hole is present on each corner of the frame. Each screw hole is designed to receive a screw. Optionally, a viewing window is disposed within an interior of the frame.