Vertebral Osteosynthesis Material with Mobile Anchoring Branches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertebral osteosynthesis implants face a significant risk of vertebral play or expulsion due to the tendency of vertebrae to move closer together over time, leading to a loss of implant stability and requiring additional surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The vertebral osteosynthesis material features a staple implant with lateral branches that include mobile portions which can transition from an introduction position to an anchoring position, providing a larger transverse section for secure anchoring in the vertebrae, independent of the vertebrae's position relative to each other, using movement means such as rods and slots to ensure resistant anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the implant uses a simple staple design with lateral branches inserted into vertebrae, then the ease of operation and simplicity of the device is improved, but the reliability and stability of the implant is worsened due to risk of vertebral play or expulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral branches incorporate mobile portions that can transition between an introduction position (for easy insertion) and an anchoring position (for secure fixation). This dynamic transformation allows the implant to adapt its configuration: during insertion the mobile portions remain retracted, and after insertion they are deployed to engage bone protrusions, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral branches are divided into fixed portions and mobile portions that can be independently positioned. The mobile portions can be inserted through holes in the vertebrae and then deployed to protrude and engage with bone protrusions. This segmentation allows the implant to be inserted easily in a compact form while providing secure anchoring when deployed, thus resolving the stability issue without compromising ease of operation
2Force
If the vertebrae move closer together over time, then the compression of the graft or intervertebral piece is improved, but the maintenance of the implant in the vertebrae is worsened due to loss of pressure of the lateral branch teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile portions are designed to be movable relative to the fixed portions of the lateral branches. When vertebrae move closer together and compression force increases, the mobile portions can dynamically adjust their position to maintain engagement with bone protrusions. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the implant remains securely anchored even as the mechanical conditions change over time, resolving the contradiction between graft compression and implant maintenance
3Strength
If the mobile portions are designed to protrude laterally from the longitudinal central axis, then the anchoring strength is improved, but the device complexity increases due to movement means and multiple positions
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile portions are integrated into the lateral branches as inherent components rather than separate elements. The movement means are designed to allow transition between introduction and anchoring positions without requiring complex external mechanisms. This dynamic design provides strong anchoring when needed while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and maintainable
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
This design ensures complete maintenance of the implant in place, even with reduced contact surfaces and varying bone quality, eliminating the risk of vertebral play or expulsion and reducing the need for additional surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one lateral branch comprises at least one mobile portion, movable between an introduction position, in which this mobile portion is located close to said longitudinal central axis of the lateral branch and in the extension of the rest of this lateral branch, and an anchoring position, in which this mobile portion is moved away from said longitudinal central axis of the lateral branch and protrudes laterally in relation to the rest of the lateral branch
Implementation Method 2
each mobile portion is provided with protruding reliefs able to be inserted into the bone of a vertebra
Implementation Method 3
the lateral branch thus having, in this anchoring position, at said mobile portion, a transverse section greater than that of the hole having allowed the introduction of this branch into the vertebral body of the vertebra receiving said lateral branch
Data Source
AI summary
A graft or an intervertebral piece or cage designed to be inserted between two vertebrae, and an implant in the form of a staple, having two lateral branches designed to be inserted into the plates of the respective vertebrae to be immobilized and a central branch connecting these two lateral branches to each other. At least one lateral branch has at least one mobile portion, movable between an introduction position, in which this mobile portion is located in the extension of the rest of this lateral branch, and an anchoring position, in which this mobile portion protrudes laterally in relation to the rest of the lateral branch, and the implant has movement means allowing the mobile portion to move between the introduction and anchoring positions.