U-Shaped Spinal Distractor for In Situ Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spinal implant methodologies are complex and require multiple instruments, increasing surgical time and potentially compromising the security of the implant-spine union.

Innovation Solution

A spinal implant kit comprising an elongated tool, a U-shaped distractor with serrations, a bone tray, and a retainer, which allows for in situ assembly and secure attachment, reducing the number of instruments needed and facilitating site preparation and bone material placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional spinal implant methodology is used with multiple instruments, then the implantation process can be completed, but surgical time increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical timeVSAvoidnumber of instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate instruments into a single integrated implant device that performs distractor, cage, and fixation functions simultaneously. The implant includes an integrated body with distractor arms, cage structure, and fixation elements all connected as one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments during surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated implant serves multiple functions: it acts as a distractor to separate vertebrae, provides a cage structure for bone graft placement, and includes fixation elements for securing the implant. This multi-functional design replaces traditional separate instruments with a single universal device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional spinal implant methodology is used with multiple instruments, then the implantation process can be completed, but the security of implant-spine union may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of implant-spine unionVSAvoidnumber of instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The distractor arms are curved to conform to the natural curvature of the spine, improving the fit and stability of the implant. The cage structure also features curved surfaces that match the vertebral endplates, enhancing the security of the implant-spine union.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Manufacturing precision

If a distractor is used to separate adjacent vertebrae, then proper intervertebral space is achieved, but the distractor must be removed before implant insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproper intervertebral spaceVSAvoidinstrument removal step

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the distractor and cage into a single integrated implant device. The distractor arms remain attached to the cage structure, allowing the device to maintain intervertebral space while the cage is filled with bone graft material. No removal step is needed as the distractor becomes part of the final implant structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If bone growth material is packed into the implant, then boney ingrowth is promoted, but the implant structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboney ingrowthVSAvoidimplant structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cage structure of the implant features a porous design with multiple openings and a lattice-like structure. This porous configuration promotes bone ingrowth through the implant walls while maintaining structural integrity. The bone growth material is contained within this porous framework, facilitating osteointegration without requiring additional complex components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 kit simplifies the spinal implantation process, reducing surgical time and enhancing the stability of the implant-spine union by allowing for efficient site preparation and secure integration of the bone tray and distractor.

Implementation Method 1

each leg having serrations adapted to engage the end plates of adjacent vertebrae

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

serrations adapted to engage the end plates of adjacent vertebrae, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS8262666B2Implantable distractor

Publication Date: 2012.09.11 ATLAS SPINE INC

AI summary

A spinal implant for stabilizing two adjacent vertebrae having a damaged disc therebetween is assembled in situ. An elongated tool is used to insert a flat U-shaped distractor in the disc space through a low profile incision with both legs of the U-shaped distractor contacting both end plates of the adjacent vertebrae. The tool is rotated 90 degrees rotating the distractor 90 degrees so that each leg of the distractor contacts one end plate of the adjacent vertebrae, respectively, to restore intervertebral space. An elliptical bone tray is slid along the tool to seat within the U-shaped distractor. The tool is removed and a retainer replaces it to lock the bone tray and the distractor together. A screw is used to lock the bone tray to the distraction device, the screw slides down the cannula which is the tool inserted over the rod that the distraction implant is attached to.