Wedge-Shaped Spinal Implant With Internal Labyrinth for Bone Graft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinal stabilization techniques require significant time for bone graft integration with vertebrae, leading to slow fusion and inadequate reinforcement between adjacent vertebrae.
Innovation Solution
A wedge-shaped spinal implant with pyramidal sides and internal labyrinthine openings to facilitate rapid tissue ingrowth, featuring elongated openings for bone graft material and retainer elements for secure anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional spinal stabilization techniques use solid bone graft plugs, then the implant provides structural support, but the integration time with vertebrae is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous sponge material instead of solid bone graft plugs. This porous structure allows rapid vascularization and tissue ingrowth while maintaining structural support capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and integration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional solid plugs to three-dimensional porous structures with interconnected channels. This dimensional change creates multiple pathways for tissue ingrowth, accelerating integration while preserving mechanical support functions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional implants use solid bone graft material, then the implant maintains structural integrity, but reinforcement between end plates is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines porous sponge material with bone graft material in a composite structure. The sponge provides structural integrity and mechanical support, while the bone graft material fills the porous network to enhance reinforcement between end plates, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and reinforcement strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone graft material is nested within the porous sponge structure, creating a hierarchical composite where the outer sponge framework provides structural integrity and the inner bone graft material provides reinforcement, simultaneously achieving both requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional techniques require manual preparation of implant site, then the surgeon can control placement, but the procedure requires considerable time and skill
Solution Approach 1:
The porous sponge implant is designed to be self-retaining and self-positioning within the intervertebral space. The expandable nature of the sponge allows it to automatically secure itself in place upon insertion, eliminating the need for complex manual preparation and positioning while maintaining precise placement control.
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
Accelerates spinal fusion and reinforcement by promoting vascularization and directing bone growth between vertebrae, enhancing the integration process.
Implementation Method 1
The porous bone graft material promotes vascularization and bone ingrowth through capillary action and surface area enhancement
Implementation Method 2
The retainer elements anchor the implant to the bone through mechanical interlocking
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal implant for insertion between adjacent vertebrae for promoting fusion of the vertebrae is a wedge shaped body with upper and lower plates separated by pyramidal sides with one large end and one small end enclosing the body. The upper and lower plates have elongated openings oriented perpendicularly to each other to form an internal labyrinth. The upper and lower openings are to be filled with thin layers of bone graft material to promote rapid ingrowth of living tissue.