X-Ray Translucent Vertebral Spacer for Cervical Spine Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cervical spinal spacers face challenges in providing sufficient strength while maintaining X-ray transparency for monitoring, as enlarging openings for visibility compromises structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A hollow prism-shaped frame with solid side panels that are X-ray translucent, providing increased strength and visibility without sacrificing structural integrity, and incorporating high friction surfaces for enhanced bone integration and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a skeletal frame structure is used to provide X-ray transparency, then X-ray visibility is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure applies local quality by making only specific portions of the frame (selected segments) transparent to X-rays, rather than the entire frame. This allows the device to maintain overall structural integrity while providing localized X-ray visibility where needed for monitoring bone graft integration and spacer positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into multiple segments, with certain segments made transparent and others remaining opaque. This segmentation allows different portions of the frame to serve different functions - transparent segments for imaging purposes and opaque segments for structural support - thereby resolving the contradiction between visibility and strength.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If openings in the skeletal frame are enlarged to improve X-ray visibility, then X-ray transparency is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than enlarging openings throughout the entire frame, the invention applies local quality by selectively creating transparency only in specific segments where X-ray visibility is needed. This localized approach maintains the structural integrity of the remaining frame portions while achieving the desired imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of transparency selectively applied to different frame segments rather than uniformly across the entire structure. This parameter change allows optimized balance between visibility requirements and structural strength requirements in different locations.
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 solution offers enhanced mechanical stabilization, improved X-ray visibility for monitoring, and effective bone integration, addressing the limitations of existing cervical spacers by maintaining strength and transparency.
Implementation Method 1
each side surface comprising a solid side panel which is at least x-ray translucent
Implementation Method 2
The top load bearing surface includes a high friction surface for increasing frictional forces between the top load bearing surface and the first vertebrae; while various examples of one embodiment of the bottom load bearing surface include a high friction surface for increasing frictional forces between the bottom load bearing surface and the second vertebrae
Data Source
AI summary
An anterior cervical column support having a hollow frame having a top load bearing surface and a bottom load bearing surface may be inserted between a first spinal vertebra and a second spinal vertebra. The top load bearing surface and the bottom load bearing surface may each include an opening allowing access to the interior of the frame. A front surface may extend between the top load bearing surface and the bottom load bearing surface, and a rear surface may extend between the top load bearing surface and the bottom load bearing surface. Two side surfaces are attached between the front surface and the rear surface, each side surface having a solid side panel that is at least x-ray translucent. An anterior (front) plate is attached to the front surface of the support device, where the front plate includes clearance holes for receiving fasteners for holding the front plate in position. The top load bearing surface and the bottom load bearing surface may include a serrated or other high friction surface for applying frictional forces between the load bearing surfaces and adjacent vertebrae.