Low Wear Debris Compliant Mechanism Cervical Disc Prosthesis

Abstract The device outlined in this paper is 3D printable cervical disc prosthesis that uses a compliant mechanism to behave biomechanically like a natural cervical intervertebral disc. The device is DMLS printed out of biocompatible titanium as a single part, and can be manufactured to the custom length, width, height, and lordotic angle desired for the patient. The device has 6 degrees of freedom for flexion, extension, and lateral bending. The device has 0.83 mm of max compression with a compressive stiffness of 473.1 N/mm. The device consists of compliant mechanism with two plates fused on the top and bottom. The mechanism is essentially two perpendicular beams fused at their midpoints. The beams act as rotational as well as compressive springs. This allows the rotational and compressive range of motion. This design is intended to minimize the production of wear debris, which is a problem with prosthetics. It also provides the ability for a disc prosthesis to be easily custom manufactured for the patient.