Wedge-Shaped Intervertebral Implant with Localized Surface Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intervertebral spinal implants do not adequately consider the anatomy and geometry of the intervertebral space and vertebral end plates, leading to suboptimal integration with bone tissue and fusion outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible intervertebral implant with a wedge-shaped profile and central bore for osteoconductive material, featuring teeth-like structures for engagement with vertebral end plates and smooth areas for surgical instrument reception, designed to conform to the shape of adjacent vertebrae, promoting bony ingrowth and facilitating surgical insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current implant designs are used, then some problems relating to intervertebral disc replacements are addressed, but they do not adequately consider the anatomy and geometry of the intervertebral space and vertebral end plates, leading to suboptimal integration with bone tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The implant incorporates different surface characteristics in different regions: roughened surfaces with teeth-like structures in areas requiring bone engagement, and smooth surfaces in areas requiring instrument reception. This local differentiation optimizes both bone integration and surgical operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant features an asymmetric wedge-shaped profile with non-uniform height distribution across its surface, designed to conform to the specific anatomy of the intervertebral space and vertebral end plates. This asymmetric geometry improves adaptability to the natural spinal curvature and adjacent vertebrae.
2Reliability
If threaded cylindrical implants or rectangular cages with protrusions are used, then fusion support is provided, but surgical insertion flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The implant provides roughened surfaces with teeth-like structures in specific regions for optimal bone engagement and fusion support, while incorporating smooth surfaces in other regions that facilitate easy reception of surgical instruments during insertion procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant design integrates multiple functions into a single structure: it provides fusion support through its wedge shape and bone engagement features, enables surgical insertion through smooth instrument-receiving surfaces, and promotes bony ingrowth through osteoconductive material in the central bore.
3Reliability
If implants with extensive bone engagement structures are used, then integration with vertebral bone tissue is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly complex structures throughout, the implant applies bone engagement features (teeth-like structures and roughened surfaces) only in specific regions where bone contact is required, while leaving other regions simple and smooth for instrument access, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertebral implant for fusing adjacent vertebrae or for replacing vertebral bodies is disclosed. The implant is a biocompatible metal, resorbable, or radiolucent implant conforming substantially in size and shape with an end plate of a vertebra. The implant preferably has a wedge-shaped profile to restore disc height and the natural curvature of the spine. The top and bottom surfaces of the implant have areas with a plurality of teeth to resist expulsion and provide initial stability and areas devoid of any protrusions to receive implantation instrumentation. The implant also has a stackability feature. The implant provides initial stability needed for fusion without stress shielding.