Variable Lordotic Interbody Spacer Intraoperative Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion techniques lack the ability to adjust the lordotic angle during the procedure, which is crucial for achieving optimal spinal alignment and reducing pain and nerve irritation.
Innovation Solution
A variable lordotic interbody spacer system comprising a face plate, superior and inferior endplates, an actuation frame, and an actuation screw, allowing for in situ adjustment of the lordotic angle by expanding or collapsing the spacer to accommodate the patient's anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed lordotic angle interbody spacer is used, then the surgical procedure is simpler and faster, but the ability to adjust spinal alignment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The interbody spacer transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The device incorporates movable endplates that can be repositioned relative to the central body using a screw mechanism, allowing the lordotic angle to be changed after implantation to optimize spinal alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is divided into separate components: a central body and two independently adjustable endplates. This segmentation allows each endplate to be positioned at different angles and heights, providing versatile adjustment capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the interbody spacer is inserted in a collapsed position, then the insertion is easier, but the final expanded volume requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The endplates are designed to nest within or against the central body when the spacer is in its collapsed state, minimizing the overall profile for insertion. After insertion, the endplates are expanded outward to their final positions, achieving the required volume for spinal stabilization.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom adjustment of the spacer is allowed during surgery, then patient-specific alignment is achieved, but the surgical time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgeon can directly adjust the lordotic angle intraoperatively using the integrated screw mechanism without requiring additional instrumentation or assistance from specialized personnel. This self-adjusting capability enables precise customization while minimizing the time and resources needed for the adjustment process.
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
Enables precise adjustment of the lordotic angle during spinal fusion, enhancing spinal alignment and reducing pain and nerve irritation by allowing for customizable placement and expansion of the spacer.
Implementation Method 1
the actuation screw body passing through the actuation channel, the head retained at the front surface and the threaded end threadably coupled to the receptacle of the actuation frame
Implementation Method 2
Each endplate arm includes a ramp recess on a top surface and on a bottom surface... Each frame arm includes an actuation ramp pin on a top surface and on a bottom surface fitted to a corresponding ramp recess
Implementation Method 3
Each of the superior and inferior endplates has first and second endplate arms coupled by a base in a generally U-shaped configuration, each endplate arm coupled to the rear surface of the face plate via a hinge opposite from the base
Data Source
AI summary
A variable lordotic interbody spacer including a face plate, superior and inferior endplates coupled to the face plate via a hinge, an actuation frame between the endplates, and an actuation screw. The face plate includes actuation and stabilizer channels. Each of the endplates has endplate arms coupled by an endplate base, and includes actuation ramp recesses. The actuation frame includes frame arms coupled by a frame base in a generally U-shaped configuration, each actuation frame arm having a stabilizer feature passing through a corresponding stabilizer channel and having actuation ramp pins fitted to a corresponding ramp recesses. The actuation screw passes through the actuation channel, with a head retained at the front surface and a threaded end coupled to the actuation frame. When operated, the actuation screw moves the actuation frame between the superior endplate and the inferior endplate to adjust an angle therebetween.