Method for terminal fixation of artificial ligaments

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of artificial ligament technology, specifically disclosing a method for securing the distal end of an artificial ligament. This method is mainly used for securing the traction suture to the distal fixation segment of the artificial ligament. The artificial ligament includes a free wire segment within the joint cavity, two braided segments located at both ends of the free wire segment, and two distal fixation segments located on opposite sides of the two braided segments. The fixation method mainly includes the following steps: placing the traction suture outside the distal fixation segment, and using a portion of the traction suture to create a covering portion, wherein the covering portion covers a portion of the two free strands of the traction suture outside the distal fixation segment. This invention ensures the structural integrity of the artificial ligament, the reliability of its function, and reduces the risk of inflammation in the patient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of artificial ligament technology, and in particular to a method for fixing the end of an artificial ligament. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the structure of artificial ligament products on the market mainly consists of three parts: a free wire in the middle, braided structures on both sides, and a fixation structure at the end. The free wire simulates the anatomical structure of the original ligament, the braided structures on both sides provide lateral fixation for the free wire, and the fixation structure at the end provides overall fixation and pulls the graft to the appropriate position during surgery.

[0003] Patent CN1909852A discloses a method for fixing a traction suture at the end of an artificial ligament. The traction suture is inserted into the ligament and exits from the end. The resulting loops cross and tighten at the insertion point. A "bandage suture" is then wrapped around the end of the artificial ligament to fix and protect it. While this method provides high traction strength, the traction suture creates a hole in the ligament and passes through its interior, disrupting the integrity of the ligament structure. The "bandage suture" used lacks clear boundaries between loops during wrapping, resulting in a tight, integral wrapping that increases rigidity and makes it difficult to pass through bone tunnels. Furthermore, the "bandage suture" has a loose structure and multiple free ends, making it prone to loosening during transportation and handling, reducing structural stability. When passing through bone tunnels, it is susceptible to snagging and breakage, leaving particles in the joint cavity or bone tunnel that can cause inflammation.

[0004] Patent CN117297836A discloses a gauze woven artificial ligament and its preparation method. This method adopts an integral molding method, and the traction line is directly woven from the weft yarn reserved during weaving, eliminating the step of installing the traction line. However, due to its integral structure, if the woven traction line is not pulled evenly when passing through the bone tunnel during surgery, the woven structure and free segment in which the traction line participates will be stretched and deformed, causing overall structural damage.

[0005] Therefore, it is crucial to develop a stable and effective method for end-tie fixation of artificial ligaments that can achieve firm fixation and traction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for fixing the end of an artificial ligament, in order to solve the problems of damage or deformation of the artificial ligament structure and unstable connection of the traction line in the prior art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A method for securing the ends of an artificial ligament, the artificial ligament comprising an intra-articular freewire segment, two braided segments located at both ends of the intra-articular freewire segment, and two end-fixing segments located on opposite sides of the two braided segments, the method comprising: placing a traction suture on the outside of the end-fixing segments, and using a portion of the traction suture to form a covering portion, wherein the covering portion covers and fixes a portion of two free strands of the traction suture to the outside of the end-fixing segments.

[0009] As an optional technical solution for the end-tie fixation method of artificial ligaments, the covering part includes a covering beginning, a covering segment and a covering end, wherein the traction line first ties a first knot in the end-fixing segment to form the covering beginning, then ties a second knot in the end-fixing segment to form the covering end, and finally the covering segment is made, the making process of the covering segment starts from the covering end and ends at the covering beginning.

[0010] As an optional technical solution for the end-tightening fixation method of artificial ligaments, the first knot is a double-loop staggered knot. Its preparation method is as follows: first, the two ends of the traction wire are respectively folded inward to form two parallel staggered loops, and a connecting strand is formed between the two staggered loops. The two staggered loops correspond to two free strands, one of which is located above the connecting strand, and the other is located below the connecting strand. The wire is bent at the connecting strand, and the staggered loop of the free strand below the connecting strand is stacked on top of the other staggered loop to form the double-loop staggered knot. The double-loop staggered knot is then inserted into the end-fixing section, and the two free strands are pulled to tighten the two staggered loops within the end-fixing section.

[0011] As an alternative technical solution for the end-tie fixation method of artificial ligaments, the second knot is a loop knot, which is prepared by using one of the free strands to wrap clockwise around the other free strand and the end-fixation segment, and then bending it counterclockwise after passing through the gap between itself and the end-fixation segment.

[0012] As an alternative technical solution for the end-tightening fixation method of artificial ligaments, after the end is covered, one of the free strands of the traction line is wound around the end-fixing section to form the covered section.

[0013] As an alternative technical solution for the end-tightening fixation method of artificial ligaments, the free strand winding process forms several loops, and the several loops form the covering segment; wherein,

[0014] During the winding process, any two adjacent loops of the wire are brought together; and / or,

[0015] The winding process arranges all the loops in a single layer from the end of the wrapping to the beginning of the wrapping.

[0016] As an optional technical solution for the end-knot fixation method of artificial ligaments, the wrapping start is located at the junction of the end fixation section and the braiding section. After the wrapping section is completed, the free strand is wrapped around the first knot above, and after passing through the first knot, the wrapping section and the second knot in sequence, it merges with another free strand.

[0017] As an alternative technical solution for the end-tightening fixation method of artificial ligaments, before preparing the covering part, an auxiliary line is placed on the outside of the end-fixing section. After the preparation of the covering part is completed, the covering part covers the middle part of the auxiliary line. The auxiliary line is pulled out along the direction from the beginning of the covering to the end of the covering, and the free strand is brought out.

[0018] As an optional technical solution for the end-tightening fixation method of artificial ligaments, the auxiliary line is folded in half to form an auxiliary loop and two auxiliary free lines. The auxiliary loop is located on the side of the beginning of the covering away from the end of the covering. The free lines are passed through the auxiliary loop. By pulling the two auxiliary free lines, the auxiliary loop and the free lines are passed through the covering part together.

[0019] As an alternative technical solution for the end-tie fixation method of artificial ligaments, the traction line is first prepared by a braiding process, and then the traction line is fixed to the end fixation segment.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0021] This invention provides a method for securing the distal end of an artificial ligament. The method includes placing a traction suture on the outside of the distal fixation segment and fabricating a covering portion using a localized part of the traction suture. This covering portion encapsulates and fixes a portion of each of the two free strands of the traction suture to the outside of the distal fixation segment. This eliminates the need for openings in the distal fixation segment, ensuring the integrity of the artificial ligament structure. Furthermore, because the traction suture and the artificial ligament are separate components, even with uneven force during traction, deformation of the free strands and braided segments within the joint cavity will not occur, ensuring the overall structural stability of the artificial ligament. Finally, the separate traction suture provides self-fixation, preventing additional ends and ensuring reliable fixation. This avoids loosening during transportation or handling and prevents residue from being left when passing through bone tunnels, reducing the risk of inflammation. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the artificial ligament and traction line in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first step of the method for fixing the end of an artificial ligament in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second step of the method for fixing the end of an artificial ligament in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the third step of the method for fixing the end of an artificial ligament in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth step of the method for fixing the end of an artificial ligament in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fifth step of the method for fixing the end of an artificial ligament in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sixth step of the method for fixing the end of an artificial ligament in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the seventh step of the method for fixing the end of an artificial ligament in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In the picture:

[0031] 100. Artificial ligament; 110. Intra-articular free wire segment; 120. Braided segment; 130. Terminal fixation segment;

[0032] 200. Traction line; 210. First free strand line; 220. Second free strand line; 230. Interlaced loop; 240. Connecting strand line; 250. Inner pressure line;

[0033] 300. Covering part; 310. First knot; 320. Covering segment; 330. Second knot;

[0034] 400, Auxiliary line; 410, Auxiliary free line; 420, Auxiliary loop. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the first feature in relation to the second feature includes the first feature directly above and diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "under," and "below" the first feature in relation to the second feature includes the first feature directly below and diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 8As shown, this embodiment provides a method for fixing the end of an artificial ligament 100, used to fix a traction wire 200 to the artificial ligament 100. The artificial ligament 100 includes a free wire segment 110 within the joint cavity, two braided segments 120 located at both ends of the free wire segment 110 within the joint cavity, and two end fixing segments 130 located on opposite sides of the two braided segments 120. The method for fixing the end of the artificial ligament 100 features a self-fixing traction wire 200, a double-loop interlaced knot, and an approximately spring-wound end fixing segment 130. Specifically, it includes the following steps: placing the traction wire 200 on the outside of the end fixing segment 130, and using a portion of the traction wire 200 to form a covering portion 300, wherein the covering portion 300 covers and fixes a portion of the two free strands of the traction wire 200 to the outside of the end fixing segment 130.

[0040] The method described above for fixing the traction wire 200 to the end fixation section 130 eliminates the need for drilling holes in the end fixation section 130, thus ensuring the integrity of the artificial ligament 100 structure. Simultaneously, because the traction wire 200 and the artificial ligament 100 are separate components, even uneven force during traction will not cause deformation of the free wire section 110 and the braided section 120 within the joint cavity, ensuring the overall structural stability of the artificial ligament. Finally, the separate traction wire 200 achieves self-fixation without generating additional ends, ensuring reliable fixation, preventing loosening during transportation or handling, and avoiding leaving residues when passing through bone tunnels, thus reducing the risk of inflammation in the patient's body.

[0041] To ensure the secure fixation of the free strand, in some embodiments, the covering portion 300 includes a covering beginning, a covering segment 320, and a covering end. The traction line 200 first ties a first knot 310 at the end fixing segment 130 to form the covering beginning, then ties a second knot 330 at the end fixing segment 130 to form the covering end, and finally fabricates the covering segment 320. The fabrication process of the covering segment 320 begins at the covering end and ends at the covering beginning. This arrangement ensures that the covering portion 300 has a certain length and is confined between the first knot 310 and the second knot 330. The fabrication process ensures that the covering segment 320 has a fixed length and avoids the problem of the covering segment 320 becoming loose.

[0042] Combination Figures 2 to 4As shown, regarding the specific structure of the first knot 310, in some embodiments, the first knot 310 is a double-loop cross knot. The method for preparing the double-loop cross knot is to first fold the two ends of the traction line 200 inward to form two cross loops 230, and form a connecting strand 240 between the two cross loops 230. The two cross loops 230 correspond to two free strands respectively. For ease of description and understanding, the two free strands are defined as the first free strand 210 and the second free strand 220 respectively. The first free strand 210 is located above the connecting strand 240, and the second free strand 220 is located below the connecting strand 240. The connecting strand 240 is bent, and the cross loop 230 corresponding to the second free strand 220 is stacked on top of the cross loop 230 corresponding to the first free strand 210 to form a double-loop cross knot. The double-loop staggered knot is slipped onto the end fixing section 130, while simultaneously pulling the first free strand 210 and the second free strand 220 to tighten the two staggered loops 230 to the end fixing section 130. The double-loop staggered knot is designed so that as the first free strand 210 and the second free strand 220 are pulled, the double-loop staggered knot will tighten more and more, firmly fixing it to the end fixing section 130.

[0043] Combination Figure 5 As shown, regarding the specific structure of the second knot 330, in some embodiments, the second knot 330 is a loop knot. The loop knot is prepared by wrapping the first free strand 210 clockwise around the second free strand 220 and the end fixing segment 130, and then bending it counterclockwise after passing it through the gap between the first free strand 210 and the end fixing segment 130. The loop knot can limit the covering segment 320 while also allowing the first free strand 210 to be wound around the outer periphery of the end fixing segment 130 and the second free strand 220 based on the loop knot.

[0044] Combination Figure 6As shown, regarding the covering section 320, in some embodiments, after the covering end is completed, the first free strand 210 in the traction line 200 is wound around the outer periphery of the end fixing section 130 and the second free strand 220 to form the covering section 320. The covering section 320 has an approximate spring structure, wrapping around the outer periphery of the end fixing section 130 and the second free strand 220. The traction line 200 is woven from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarn. The winding process of the first free strand 210 forms several loops, which together form the covering section 320. These loops are interconnected but not fused, preventing the covering section 300 from forming a rigid whole and preserving structural flexibility. This allows it to smoothly pass through bone passages and non-linear joint cavity pathways, similar to a train carriage bending sequentially as it curves. Because the traction line 200 has a braided structure, it possesses a certain degree of elasticity. Under the mutual compression and constraint, any two adjacent loops tend to move away from each other, ensuring that the inner second free strand 220 remains taut and straight. Finally, the loops, subjected to the elastic force of the inner second free strand 220, tend to expand, while the inner second free strand 220 is compressed and constrained by the loops. The two are relatively pressed together, and under the action of friction, the covering section 320 and the inner second free strand 220 maintain structural stability.

[0045] All the loops are arranged in a single layer from the end of the wrapping to the beginning of the wrapping, so that they will not interfere with each other when turning at the end fixed section 130, thus improving the flexibility of turning.

[0046] The wrapping start point is located at the junction of the end fixing section 130 and the braiding section 120. After the wrapping section 320 is completed, the first free strand 210 is wrapped around the first knot 310 above it, and then merges with the second free strand 220 after passing through the first knot 310, the wrapping section 320 and the second knot 330 in sequence. This method allows both the first free strand 210 and the second free strand 220 to be used for pulling, increasing the pulling force. In this embodiment, the wrapping section 320 has an inner pressure line 250 formed by three traction lines 200, of which two inner pressure lines 250 are formed by the first free strand 210 wrapped around the wrapping section 320, and the other inner pressure line 250 is formed by a portion of the second free strand 220.

[0047] Combination Figures 6 to 8As shown, to ensure that the first free strand 210 can smoothly pass through the covering portion 300, in some embodiments, before preparing the covering portion 300, an auxiliary line 400 is placed on the outside of the end fixing section 130. After the covering portion 300 is prepared, the covering portion 300 covers the middle part of the auxiliary line 400. Along the direction from the beginning to the end of the covering, the auxiliary line 400 is pulled out, and the first free strand 210 is brought out with it. Specifically, the auxiliary line 400 is folded in half to form an auxiliary ring 420 and two auxiliary free strands 410. The auxiliary ring 420 is located on the side of the beginning of the covering away from the end of the covering. The first free strand 210 is passed through the auxiliary ring 420. By pulling the two auxiliary free strands 410, the auxiliary ring 420 and the first free strand 210 are passed through the covering portion 300 together. This method can greatly improve the efficiency of passing the first free strand 210 through the covering portion 300, and will not affect the structure of the covering portion 300.

[0048] To minimize the impact on the covering portion 300, in this embodiment, the diameter of the auxiliary line 400 is smaller than that of the traction line 200. To reduce costs, the strength of the auxiliary line 400 is less than that of the traction line 200.

[0049] In some embodiments, the processing method of the artificial ligament 100 includes steps such as weaving, cutting, rolling, and sewing. The free filament segment 110 in the joint cavity is a parallel filament without a braided structure and is located in the middle of the artificial ligament 100. The two braided segments 120 are woven sheet-like structures that are rolled and sewn together, and are cylindrical in shape, connected to both sides of the free filament segment 110 in the joint cavity. The two end fixing segments 130 are conical in shape and are each connected to the distal end of the two braided segments 120. The two traction lines 200 fix the ends of the main body of the ligament by knotting and wrapping.

[0050] In some embodiments, the artificial ligament 100 is woven from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarn. The cylindrical intra-articular free filament segment 110 is a woven structure, and the conical end-fixing segment 130 smoothly transitions to the cylindrical woven segment 120. Specifically, the ligament woven sheet is cut into an isosceles trapezoid shape using laser cutting technology. After rolling, the rectangle formed by the upper side of the isosceles trapezoid and the height passing through the upper side constitutes the portion forming the intra-articular free filament segment 110 and the woven segment 120. The right triangle formed by the hypotenuse of the isosceles trapezoid and the height passing through the upper side constitutes the portion forming the end-fixing segment 130. The isosceles trapezoidal ligament woven sheet is rolled along the height direction, twisted within the intra-articular free filament segment 110, and then sutured and fixed to form the artificial ligament 100.

[0051] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for fixing the ends of an artificial ligament, the artificial ligament (100) comprising a free wire segment (110) within the joint cavity, two braided segments (120) located at both ends of the free wire segment (110) within the joint cavity, and two end-fixing segments (130) located on opposite sides of the two braided segments (120), characterized in that, The method for securing the end of an artificial ligament includes: placing a traction wire (200) on the outside of the end fixation segment (130), and using a portion of the traction wire (200) to form a covering part (300), wherein the covering part (300) covers and fixes a portion of the two free strands of the traction wire (200) to the outside of the end fixation segment (130); The covering part (300) includes a covering start end, a covering section (320) and a covering end end, wherein the traction line (200) first ties a first knot (310) on the end fixing section (130) to form a covering start end, then ties a second knot (330) on the end fixing section (130) to form a covering end, and finally makes the covering section (320). The making process of the covering section (320) starts from the covering end end and ends at the covering start end. The first knot (310) is a double-loop interlaced knot. The preparation method is as follows: first, the two ends of the traction line (200) are folded inward to form two parallel interlaced loops (230), and a connecting strand (240) is formed between the two interlaced loops (230). The two interlaced loops (230) correspond to two free strands respectively. One free strand is located above the connecting strand (240), and the other free strand is located below the connecting strand (240). The connecting strand (240) is bent, and the interlaced loop (230) of the free strand below the connecting strand (240) is stacked on top of the other interlaced loop (230) to form the double-loop interlaced knot. The double-loop interlaced knot is put into the end fixing section (130), and the two free strands are pulled to tighten the two interlaced loops (230) to the end fixing section (130). The second knot (330) is a loop knot, which is prepared by wrapping one of the free strands clockwise around the other free strand and the end fixing segment (130), and then bending it counterclockwise after passing through the gap between itself and the end fixing segment (130).

2. The method for terminal fixation of artificial ligaments according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the end of the wrapping is completed, the wrapping section (320) is formed by winding one of the free strands of the traction line (200) around the end fixed section (130).

3. The method for terminal fixation of artificial ligaments according to claim 2, characterized in that, The free strand winding process forms several loops, and these loops form the covering segment (320); wherein... During the winding process, any two adjacent loops of the wire are brought together; and / or, The winding process arranges all the loops in a single layer from the end of the wrapping to the beginning of the wrapping.

4. The method for terminal fixation of artificial ligaments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wrapping start is located at the junction of the end fixing section (130) and the braiding section (120). After the wrapping section (320) is completed, the free strand is wrapped around the first knot (310) above, and after passing through the first knot (310), the wrapping section (320) and the second knot (330) in sequence, it merges with another free strand.

5. The method for terminal fixation of artificial ligaments according to claim 4, characterized in that, Before preparing the covering part (300), an auxiliary line (400) is placed on the outside of the end fixing section (130). After the preparation of the covering part (300) is completed, the covering part (300) covers the middle part of the auxiliary line (400). Along the direction from the beginning of the covering to the end of the covering, the auxiliary line (400) is pulled out and the free strand is brought out.

6. The method for terminal fixation of artificial ligaments according to claim 5, characterized in that, The auxiliary line (400) is folded in half to form an auxiliary loop (420) and two auxiliary free lines (410). The auxiliary loop (420) is located on the side of the beginning of the covering that is away from the end of the covering. The free line is passed through the auxiliary loop (420). By pulling the two auxiliary free lines (410), the auxiliary loop (420) and the free line are passed through the covering part (300) together.

7. The method for terminal fixation of artificial ligaments according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The traction line (200) is first prepared by a braiding process, and then the traction line (200) is fixed to the end fixing section (130).

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