KR102361667B1 - Shape memory alloy self locking anterior cervical plate - Google Patents

Abstract

The front cervical vertebrae fixing plate having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy of the present invention includes a plate having a screw hole into which a fixing screw is inserted; and a variable-type cover coupled to the plate, the shape of which is deformed under a preset temperature condition, to control the opening or blocking of the screw hole.

Description

Anterior cervical spine fixing plate with self-locking function using shape memory alloy {SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY SELF LOCKING ANTERIOR CERVICAL PLATE}

The present invention relates to an anterior cervical vertebra fixing plate having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy, and more particularly, a metal plate used for anterior fixing of the cervical vertebrae is fixed with the cervical vertebrae using screws, and a locking device to prevent the screws from falling out It relates to an anterior cervical vertebra fixing plate equipped with a self-locking function using a shape-memory alloy that exerts a locking function by the temperature of the locking device itself by temperature without any separate operation in operating it.

Recently, spinal diseases are increasing due to the influence of lifestyle and environment, and among neck-related diseases, surgery is required for diseases that cause pain due to intervertebral discs compressing the neural tube. In particular, when the disc in the cervical vertebrae is degenerated or degenerate and loses its function, when the nerve around the disc is narrowed due to disc degeneration and the nerve is compressed, when a cervical disc rupture occurs in the degenerated bone, making it difficult to insert an artificial disc, cervical vertebrae When severe pain occurs due to a rupture of an intervertebral disc, or when symptoms do not improve despite long-term conservative treatment, surgical treatment is required.

On the other hand, anterior cervical decompression and fusion among the surgical methods performed is a procedure that removes the prolapsed or pathological disk pressing the intervertebral disc and neural tube in front of the neck and fused the corresponding vertebrae. In this sequence of anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery, first, after general anesthesia is performed, a 2-3 cm incision is made in the anterior skin fold line of the cervical vertebrae, and then the pathological or damaged disc between the bone and the bone is removed and the pressure on the nerve root is removed. . Spinal bones and ligaments are removed in the space above and below the removed disc to create an empty disc space for bone grafting, and the structure supporting the formed space is filled. After filling the structure in this way, while the vertebra is fully cured, a small metal plate implant is attached with screws to the position where the bone is fixed and fixed firmly.

At this time, the implant used is a metal plate for the cervical vertebrae and is fixed to the cervical vertebra using screws. Until the cervical vertebrae and the metal plate are completely fused, the flow occurs in the fixed screw by the movement occurring in the surgical site. Screw leakage occurs.

In general, in order to prevent the leakage of these screws, a locking function to physically prevent the detachment of the screws is installed double, but there is a problem that an operation to control the locking device during surgery is required to operate the double locking device. . The present applicant has invented a cervical vertebrae fixing plate that can realize double locking by shortening the operation time and minimizing the incision range by supplementing these problems.

Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1681668

An object of the present invention is to provide an anterior cervical vertebra fixing plate having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy whose locking state is changed according to temperature without direct manipulation.

The front cervical vertebrae fixing plate having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plate having a screw hole into which a fixing screw is inserted; and a variable-type cover coupled to the plate, the shape of which is deformed under a preset temperature condition to control the opening or blocking of the screw hole.

In addition, the deformable cover may be formed of a shape memory material including nitinol.

In addition, the variable cover may be deformed into a predetermined shape under a basic temperature condition of 30 to 40 degrees Celsius to block the screw hole.

In addition, the variable cover may open the screw hole when exposed to a temperature condition out of the basic temperature condition in a state in which the screw hole is covered.

In addition, in the case of the variable cover, when the screw hole is blocked, a protrusion for contacting the screw inserted into the screw hole may be formed to extend inside the screw hole.

In addition, the surface of the plate may be coated with a corrosion-resistant material.

In addition, the plate may be formed of a biocompatible material.

In addition, the plate may include a plurality of screw holes formed at positions spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

In addition, the variable cover can block the two screw holes at the same time.

In addition, the variable cover can block the four screw holes at the same time.

In addition, the variable cover is provided with a plurality of independently opening or blocking a plurality of screw holes formed at different positions, and in a state in which the screw holes are blocked, all or part of the plurality is cooled through cooling water such as physiological saline. The cover cooled by the cooling water may selectively open the screw hole.

In addition, the front cervical vertebrae fixing plate having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed in a direction opposite to the deformable cover and coupled to the plate; may further include.

The anterior cervical spine fixing plate with a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy according to the present invention includes a variable cover that stores the shape of the shape of covering the screw hole in a temperature condition similar to body temperature, As the screw hole is automatically blocked after being inserted, the operator can reduce the operation time by preventing the screw hole from departing without additional manipulation, and stability during the procedure can be improved by not applying an additional external force to change the locking state.

In addition, the anterior cervical spine fixing plate equipped with a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy according to the present invention can suppress deformation by spraying physiological saline on the variable cover that is automatically restored when the screw is inserted, through which the screw is inserted. By selectively deforming the area covering the screw hole, the convenience of the procedure can be improved.

In addition, the front cervical vertebrae fixing plate having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy according to the present invention has a variable cover having a simple structure to prevent the screws from coming off, so that compared to the cervical vertebra fixing device including a conventional locking device, the body The risk of failure in the inserted state can be reduced.

1 is an exploded perspective view of an anterior cervical spine fixing plate having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of an anterior cervical vertebra fixing plate having a self-locking function using the shape memory alloy of FIG. 1 .
3 shows a deformed state of the cover of the front cervical vertebrae fixing plate having a self-locking function using the shape memory alloy of FIG. 1 .
4 shows a process in which screws are inserted into the anterior cervical vertebrae fixing plate having a self-locking function using the shape memory alloy of FIG. 1 .
5 shows a state in which the screw hole is covered through the cover after the screw is inserted into the front cervical vertebra fixing plate having a self-locking function using the shape memory alloy of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 6 shows a state in which the variable cover of the front cervical vertebrae fixing plate having a self-locking function using the shape memory alloy of FIG. 1 is extended to the inside of the screw hole.
7A and 7B are front views of the anterior cervical vertebrae fixing plate having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 shows a form in which a cage is coupled to the anterior cervical vertebrae fixing plate having a self-locking function using the shape memory alloy of FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The detailed description of the present invention set forth below refers to the accompanying drawings, which show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. It should be understood that various embodiments of the present invention are different but need not be mutually exclusive. For example, certain shapes, structures, and characteristics described herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention with respect to one embodiment. In addition, it should be understood that the location or arrangement of individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the detailed description set forth below is not intended to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention, if properly described, is limited only by the appended claims, along with all scope equivalents as those claimed. Like reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same or similar functions throughout the various aspects.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

The anterior cervical spine fixing plate with a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy according to the present invention includes a variable cover that stores the shape of the shape of covering the screw hole in a temperature condition similar to body temperature, As the screw hole is automatically blocked after being inserted, the operator can reduce the operation time by preventing the screw hole from leaving without additional manipulation, and stability during the procedure can be improved by not applying an additional external force to change the locking state.

1 is an exploded perspective view of an anterior cervical spine fixing plate having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an anterior cervical spine fixing plate having a self-locking function using the shape memory alloy of FIG. is a front view of

1 and 2 , the anterior cervical spine fixing plate 1 having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plate 11 and a variable cover 13 .

The plate 11 may have a screw hole 111 into which a fixing screw is inserted.

In detail, screws may be inserted into the plate 11 , and the plate 11 may be fastened to the spine through the inserted screws. A plurality of screw holes 111 are formed in the plate 11 , and screws may be inserted into some or all of the plurality of screw holes 111 .

That is, the plate 11 may include a plurality of screw holes 111 formed at positions spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

In detail, a pair of screw holes may be formed in the plate 11 in the horizontal direction, and a plurality of screw holes may be formed at positions spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. That is, when the plate 11 is coupled to the spine, a plurality of screws can be inserted at different heights to improve the fastening force, and the stability of the plate 11 can be improved by connecting it with a plurality of vertebrae. In addition, when a screw is inserted into a pair of screw holes formed in the horizontal direction, it is possible to prevent the plate from being inserted into a single vertebra from flowing. In addition, since a pair of screw holes are formed in the horizontal direction, the plate 11 is inserted into a single screw hole without adjusting the position of the plate 11 even in a state where the bending of the vertebrae is severe or spatially narrow. It can be fixed to the spine.

The surface of the plate 11 may be coated with a corrosion-resistant material.

Specifically, the plate 11 may be required to resist corrosion. To this end, the surface of the plate 11 may be coated with a corrosion-resistant material such as titanium, chromium alloy, or nickel alloy.

The plate 11 may be formed of a biocompatible material.

In detail, the plate 11 is preferably made of a material that does not emit harmful substances or exhibit a toxic reaction because it is maintained in the body in a form coupled to the spine. In addition, since the plate 11 is maintained in direct contact with the spine, it may be formed of a biocompatible material that does not cause allergic reactions or side effects. Accordingly, the plate 11 may be formed of a biocompatible material such as stainless steel, a cobalt-chromium alloy, or titanium.

The deformable cover 13 may be coupled to the plate 11 .

In detail, the variable cover 13 may be coupled to a position parallel to the screw hole 111 . In more detail, the variable cover 13 may be fixed to a portion coupled to the plate 11 , and may open or block the screw hole 111 while the shape of the portion not coupled to the plate 11 is deformed.

Also, the deformable cover 13 may be coupled to any area of the plate 11 . That is, the variable cover 13 may be disposed at different positions depending on the shape to be deformed under the basic temperature condition and coupled to the plate 11 .

On the other hand, the coupling between the variable cover 13 and the plate 11 may be coupled by methods such as fixing by a clasp structure additionally formed on the variable cover and the plate, fastening by bolts, attachment by biocompatible adhesive, etc., but is limited thereto. It can be combined in any way that does not cause side effects when placed in the body for design modification or stability improvement.

The variable cover 13 is deformed in shape under a preset temperature condition to adjust the opening or blocking of the screw hole 111 .

In detail, the variable cover 13 may memorize a shape for covering the screw hole 111 in a preset temperature range, and may maintain a shape of opening the screw hole when exposed to an environment outside the corresponding temperature range.

To this end, the deformable cover 13 may be formed of a shape memory material including nitinol.

In detail, nitinol is a biometal material in which nickel and titanium are mixed in a 1:1 ratio, and is a synthetic material with superelasticity and shape memory properties. Superelasticity is the property of returning to its original shape when the force is removed even if deformation occurs by applying a large force to the material, and shape memory property means the property of the metal returning to its original shape. Specifically, nitinol causes structural deformation upon cooling, and can return to its original shape when heated. By using this property of nitinol, the deformable cover 13 can memorize the shape of covering the screw hole 111 at high temperature and induce deformation into a shape that opens the screw hole 111 at low temperature. In particular, it is possible to induce a shape of opening the screw hole 111 by spraying a low-temperature saline solution on the variable cover 13 exposed to the internal environment using a syringe.

The variable cover 13 may be deformed into a predetermined shape under a basic temperature condition of 30 to 40 degrees Celsius. The variable cover 13 may block the screw hole in the basic temperature condition. Conversely, the variable cover 13 may open the screw hole 111 when exposed to a temperature condition out of the basic temperature condition while covering the screw hole 111 .

In detail, the variable cover 13 may maintain a deformable shape to open the screw hole 111 at a temperature out of the basic temperature condition. The variable cover 13 may be deformed into a shape that blocks the screw hole 111 in a basic temperature condition that is a temperature range similar to body temperature. That is, in a state in which the front cervical spine fixing plate 1 having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy according to the present invention is inserted into the body, the deformable cover 13 is gradually deformed into a shape that blocks the screw hole 111, The operator can prevent blocking of the screw hole 111 by spraying the cooled saline solution on the variable cover 13 in the process of inserting the screw. When the screw is completely inserted, spraying of the saline solution is stopped and the deformable cover 13 is induced to block the screw hole 111 to prevent the screw from coming off.

When the variable cover 13 blocks the screw hole 111 , a protrusion for contacting the screw inserted into the screw hole 111 may be formed to extend inside the screw hole 111 .

In detail, the head of the screw inserted into the screw hole 111 may not be in close contact with the variable cover 13 . In this case, the variable cover 13 is expanded inside the screw hole 111 to prevent the screw head from flowing. A description related to this will be described with reference to FIG. 6 below.

The variable cover 13 may block the plurality of screw holes 111 at the same time. In particular, the deformable cover 13 may be deformed into various shapes according to the number of screw holes 111 . For example, the variable cover may be provided in a form that simultaneously blocks two screw holes formed in both left and right directions. In addition, the variable cover may be provided in the form of blocking the four screw holes formed in the upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right directions at the same time. A description related thereto will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B below.

In addition, the variable cover 13 is provided with a plurality of independently opening or blocking the plurality of screw holes 111 formed at different positions, and in a state in which the screw holes 111 are blocked, all of the plurality of the plurality of cover 13 is provided through cooling water such as physiological saline. Alternatively, when a part is cooled, the cover cooled by the cooling water may selectively open the screw hole 111 .

In detail, in a state in which the anterior cervical spine fixing plate 1 having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy according to the present invention is disposed in the body, the deformable cover 13 can maintain a shape that blocks the screw hole 111 . . In this case, in order to insert the screw, a small amount of cooled saline is injected into a certain part of the variable cover 13 to partially open it. Thereafter, the variable cover 13 formed of a thermally conductive material may also be gradually deformed in an area where the saline solution is not sprayed to open the screw hole 111 .

On the other hand, the front cervical vertebrae fixing plate 1 having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy according to the present invention is disposed in the direction opposite to the deformable cover 13 and further includes a cage 15 coupled to the plate 11 This can be done, and the related description will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7 below.

3 shows a deformed state of the cover of the front cervical vertebrae fixing plate having a self-locking function using the shape memory alloy of FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , the deformable cover 13 may be deformed in different directions according to a coupled position. In detail, the variable cover coupled to the upper end of the plate 11 may be deformed downward to open the screw hole 111 . This may be a characteristic required to prevent an external force from being applied to the spine when the deformable cover 13 is deformed upward of the plate 11 . Conversely, the variable cover coupled to the lower end of the plate 11 may be deformed upward to open the screw hole 111 . That is, the deformable cover 13 is preferably deformed so as not to be exposed to the outside of the plate 11, and through this, it is possible to prevent damage to the spine during the procedure. In addition, since the shape of the deformable cover 13 is maintained so as not to deviate to the outside of the plate 11, the invasive range during the procedure is minimized, so that the stable procedure can be performed.

FIG. 4 shows a process in which screws are inserted into the anterior cervical vertebrae fixing plate having a self-locking function using the shape memory alloy of FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , the screw 9 may be inserted into the plate 11 in a state in which the variable cover 13 opens the screw hole 111 . The screw hole 111 into which the screw 9 is inserted can be blocked by restoring the deformable cover 13 to its original state, thereby preventing the screw 9 from being separated. On the other hand, the screw inserted into the spine is preferably formed of a corrosion-resistant and biocompatible material, and may be formed of a material having high strength in order to minimize deformation in the process of being inserted into the weight.

Figure 5 shows a state in which the screw hole is covered through the cover after the screw is inserted into the front cervical vertebra fixing plate equipped with a self-locking function using the shape memory alloy of Figure 1, and Figure 6 is using the shape memory alloy of Figure 1 It shows the state in which the variable cover of the anterior cervical vertebrae fixing plate with self-locking function is extended to the inside of the screw hole.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the variable cover 13 may completely block the screw hole 111 into which the screw 9 is inserted. That is, the variable cover 13 not only prevents the screw 9 from being separated, but also blocks the screw hole 111 from the outside, thereby preventing the screw 9 from flowing and deforming due to impurities flowing in from the outside.

6, on the other hand, the screw hole 111 may be formed in the opposite direction of the position where the jaw for the screw 9 is mounted, the variable cover 13 is coupled, the screw 9 head It may be disposed inside the screw hole. That is, the screw inserted into the screw hole 111 is not exposed to the outside of the surface of the plate 11 , and through this, the variable cover 13 can easily block the screw hole 111 .

On the other hand, when the screw inserted into the screw hole 111 does not contact the variable cover 13 , the variable cover 13 may extend inside the screw hole 111 to contact the screw. That is, the deformable cover 13 is not limited to being deformed along the surface of the plate 11 , and may be expanded inwardly of the screw hole 111 to change its volume. Through this, the flow of the screw is prevented, so that the stability of the plate 11 fixed to the spine can be improved. In addition, the deformable cover 13 may be deformed to a flat shape by contracting the expanded portion during cooling, and thus a portion colliding with the plate 11 may be removed to easily open the screw hole 111 .

7A and 7B are front views of the anterior cervical vertebrae fixing plate having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy according to another embodiment of the present invention.

7A and 7B , the variable cover 13 ′ coupled to the upper end of the plate 11 and the variable cover 13 coupled to the lower end of the plate 11 may be disposed in a complex manner. In detail, the variable cover 13 ′ may block the four screw holes 111 at the same time, and the variable cover 13 may block the two screw holes 111 at the same time. In this way, a variable cover that stores different shapes depending on the position coupled with the plate 11 and the number of screw holes 111 formed in the plate 11 may be coupled to the plate 11, and each variable cover is independent can be transformed to improve the convenience of the procedure.

FIG. 8 shows a form in which the cage is coupled to the anterior cervical vertebrae fixing plate having a self-locking function using the shape memory alloy of FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 8 , the cage 15 to be inserted into the trunk spaced apart between the vertebrae may be coupled to the anterior cervical vertebra fixing plate 1 having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy. At this time, a screw for connecting the plate 11 and the cage 15 may be inserted into the screw hole 111 , and after the screw is inserted, the variable cover 13 covers the screw hole to connect the cage 15 . It can prevent the screw from coming off.

As such, the anterior cervical spine fixing plate having a self-locking function using the shape memory alloy according to the present invention can suppress deformation by spraying physiological saline on the variable cover that is automatically restored when the screw is inserted, through which the screw is inserted. By selectively deforming the area covering the screw hole, the convenience of the procedure can be improved.

In addition, the front cervical vertebrae fixing plate having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy according to the present invention has a variable cover having a simple structure to prevent the screws from coming off, so that compared to the cervical vertebra fixing device including a conventional locking device, the body The risk of failure in the inserted state can be reduced.

Although the present invention has been described in detail through representative embodiments above, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that various modifications are possible within the limits without departing from the scope of the present invention with respect to the above-described embodiments. will be. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments and should be defined by all changes or modifications derived from the claims and equivalent concepts as well as the claims to be described later.

1: Anterior cervical spine fixing plate with self-locking function using shape memory alloy
11: plate
111: screw hole
13, 13`: flexible cover
15: cage
9: screw

Claims (12)

a plate having a screw hole into which a fixing screw is inserted; and
A variable cover coupled to the plate, the shape of which is deformed under a preset temperature condition to control the opening or blocking of the screw hole; includes;
The deformable cover,
When blocking the screw hole, a protrusion for contacting the screw inserted into the screw hole is formed to extend inside the screw hole to prevent the screw from flowing, and when the screw hole is opened, the protrusion is contracted Anterior cervical vertebrae fixing plate with self-locking function using shape memory alloy, which is deformed into a flat shape.
The method of claim 1,
The deformable cover,
An anterior cervical spine fixing plate with a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy, formed of a shape memory material containing nitinol.
The method of claim 1,
The deformable cover,
Anterior cervical spine fixing plate with a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy that is deformed into a predetermined shape at a basic temperature condition of 30 to 40 degrees Celsius and blocks the screw hole.
4. The method of claim 3,
The deformable cover,
Anterior cervical spine fixing plate with a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy, which opens the screw hole when exposed to a temperature condition outside the basic temperature condition while covering the screw hole.
delete The method of claim 1,
The plate is
Anterior cervical spine fixing plate with self-locking function using shape memory alloy coated with corrosion-resistant material.
The method of claim 1,
The plate is
Anterior cervical spine fixing plate with self-locking function using shape memory alloy formed of biocompatible material.
The method of claim 1,
The plate is
Anterior cervical spine fixing plate with a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy, including a plurality of screw holes formed at positions spaced apart by a predetermined distance.
9. The method of claim 8,
The deformable cover,
Anterior cervical spine fixing plate with self-locking function using shape memory alloy that blocks two screw holes at the same time.
9. The method of claim 8,
The deformable cover,
Anterior cervical spine fixing plate with self-locking function using shape memory alloy that blocks four screw holes at the same time.
9. The method of claim 8,
The deformable cover,
A cover cooled by the cooling water when all or part of the plurality is cooled through cooling water such as physiological saline in a state in which the plurality of screw holes are independently opened or blocked and the screw holes formed in different positions are blocked The anterior cervical spine fixing plate with a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy that selectively opens the screw hole.
The method of claim 1,
The front cervical vertebrae fixing plate having a self-locking function using a shape memory alloy further comprising; a cage disposed in a direction opposite to the deformable cover and coupled to the plate.

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