Suture buttons and methods employing same
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-25
Smart Images
Figure US2024029428_21112024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
SUTURE BUTTONS AND METHODS EMPLOYING SAMECLAIM TO PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application number 63 / 502,156, filed May 15, 2023, entitled "Suture Buttons And Methods Employing Same" (atty. dock. no. 6083.006P1 ), which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0002] This application is continuation of U.S. design patent application number 29 / 875,978, filed May 15, 2023, by Kevin Kruse and Lawrence Binder, entitled "Suture Button" (atty. dock. no. 6083.007) which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0003] This application is a continuation of U.S. design patent application number 29 / 875,979, filed May 15, 2023, by Kevin Kruse and Lawrence Binder, entitled "Suture Button" (atty. dock. no. 6083.008) which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to devices and methods for performing surgery, and more particularly to suture buttons and methods for anchoring and tensioning sutures during and after surgery.BACKGROUND
[0005] A button suture is a suture in which the threads are passed through the holes of a button and then locked or tied. Suture buttons are used to reduce the danger of the threads cutting through flesh. In some applications, suture buttons provide fixation of syndesmosis injuries of the ankle. The button suture includes a fiber thread attached between two buttons.SUMMARY
[0006] Shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision, in an embodiment, of a suture button having, for example, a body having a first side, a second side opposite from the first side, aperipheral side disposed between the first side and the second side, a first passageway extending through the body from the first side to the second side, a second passageway extending through the body from the first side to the second side, the second passageway spaced from the first passageway, and a first open channel extending into the body along the first side and extending between the first passageway and the second passageway.
[0007] In some embodiments, the body of the suture button includes a third passageway extending through the body from the first side to the second side, the third passageway spaced from the first passageway and from the second passageway. In some embodiments, the second side includes a second open channel extending between the second and third passageway. In some embodiments, the suture button includes an irregular-shaped button and / or includes a relies and / or one or more recesses.
[0008] In another embodiment, a suture button includes an elongated body having a first side, a second side opposite from the first side, a peripheral side disposed between the first side and the second side, a first row of passageways extending through the body from the first side to the second side, a second row of passageways extending through the body from the first side to the second side, the first row of passageways spaced from the second row of passageways, a plurality of open channels extending into the body along the first side and extending between the first row of passageways and the second row of passageways.
[0009] In another embodiment, a surgical repair includes, for example, the above suture buttons, and a suture material.
[0010] In another embodiment, a method includes, for example, providing a suture button with a body having a first passageway extending through the body, a second passageway extending through the body, the second passageway spaced from the first passageway, a first open channel extending into the body along the first side and extending between the first passageway and the second passageway, suture material, and wherein the suture material is woven through the passageways in a configuration such that when one suture end is pulled, thefriction between the suture material and the button is higher than when the other end is pulled.
[0011] In another embodiment, a method includes, for example, providing a suture button having a body with a first, a second, and a third passageways extending therethrough from a first side to a second side and an open channel connecting the first and the second passageways on the first side of the body, a second open channel connecting the second and the third passageways on the second side of the body, providing a suture material, weaving the suture material through the first, the second, and the third passageways with the suture material extending through the first passageway, across the first open channel and through the second passageway, across the second open channel, and through the third passageway, and a second open channel connecting the second and the third passageways on the second side of the body, and under the suture material and over the first open channel.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The subject matter which is regarded as the disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The disclosure, however, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of various embodiments and the accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a view of a suture button suspensionplasty system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a view of an anatomy to which a plurality of sutures may be employed for fixation of soft tissue to bone using the suture button of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, front right perspective view of the suture button of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a rear left perspective view of the suture button of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a front view of the suture button of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a right side view of the suture button of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the suture button of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a left side view of the suture button of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the suture button taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the suture button taken along line 10- 10 in FIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a front right perspective view of a suture button, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a right side view of the suture button of FIG. 11 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a rear left perspective view of the suture button of FIG. 11 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a left side view of the suture button of FIG. 11 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the suture button taken along line 15- 15 in FIG. 11 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a front right perspective view of a suture button, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a right side view of the suture button of FIG. 16, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a rear left perspective view of the suture button of FIG. 16, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a left side view of the suture button of FIG. 16, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the suture button taken along line 20- 20 in FIG. 16, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a front right perspective view of a suture button, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a rear left perspective view of the suture button of FIG. 21 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0035] FIG. 23 is a front right perspective view of a suture button, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 24 is a rear left perspective view of the suture button of FIG. 23, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 25 is a front view of the suture button of FIG. 23, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 26 is a rear view of the suture button of FIG. 23, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0039] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the suture button taken along line 27- 27 in FIG. 25, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 28 is a front right perspective view of a suture button, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0041] FIG. 29 is a rear left perspective view of the suture button of FIG. 28, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0042] FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate a suture button and suture material, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 32 is a front perspective view of a suture button, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0044] FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view of the suture button of FIG. 32, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0045] FIG. 34 is a front view of the suture button of FIG. 32, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0046] FIG. 35 is a right side view of the suture button of FIG. 32, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0047] FIG. 36 is a left side view of the suture button of FIG. 32, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0048] FIG. 37 is a rear view of the suture button of FIG. 32, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0049] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the suture button taken along line 38- 38 in FIG. 37, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0050] FIGS. 39 and 40 illustrate the suture button of FIG. 32 and suture material, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0051] FIG. 41 is a flowchart of a process for surgical repair, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAIED DESCRIPTION
[0052] Generally stated, disclosed herein are suture buttons or implants, and suture button systems or implants systems. Suture button and implant systems may include one or more suture buttons or implants. Further, surgical methods employing the same are also disclosed.
[0053] In this detailed description and the following claims, the words proximal, distal, anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, superior, and inferior are defined by their standard usage for indicating a particular part of a bone or implant according to the relative disposition of the natural bone or directional terms of reference.
[0054] Positions or directions may be used herein with reference to anatomical structures or surfaces. For example, as the current devices and methods are described herein with reference to use with the bones of a patient. The bones of the patient may be used to describe the surfaces, positions, directions or orientations of the implant apparatus, implant installation apparatus, and surgical methods. Further, the devices and surgical methods, and the aspects, components, features and the like thereof, disclosed herein are described with respect to one side of the body for brevity purposes. However, as the human body is relatively symmetrical or mirrored about a line of symmetry (midline), it is hereby expressly contemplated that the device and surgical methods, and the aspects, components, features and the like thereof, described and / or illustrated herein may be changed, varied, modified, reconfigured or otherwise altered for use or association with another side of the body for a same or similar purpose without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, the apparatus and surgical methods, and the aspects, components, features and the like thereof, described herein with respect to a left foot may be mirrored so that they likewise function with a right foot and vice versa.
[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates a suture button suspensionplasty system 10 employing a pair of suture buttons 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, surgeons are able to treat syndesmotic injuries using a knotless adjustable button system. For example, system 10 may be operable to treat disruptions to the ankle syndesmosis ligament complex. For example, system 10 may include a plate 12, suture 20 extending through a hole 32 in a tibia 30 and a hole 42 in the fibula 40, and buttons 100. It will be appreciated that the suture buttons of the present disclosure may be operable for other surgical procedures, for example, repair of wounds and other suspensions and sutures.
[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates a plurality of anchored sutures 50 through bone tunnels 62 wherein the leads are all gathered with a loop of a gathering suture and secured to a laterally positioned anchor within a bone hole and then locked into tension with suture button 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the sutures may be passed into one hole and out another via a tunnel from cortical through cancellous bone and out through cortical bone.
[0057] In some of the various embodiments, no tying of the suture may be required. Instead, the sutures and suture buttons may be held in place by the wedging action of the suture and the suture button.
[0058] Suture buttons with two or more passageways may allow weaving one or more pieces of suture material through the passageways in a configuration that when one suture end is pulled, the friction between the suture material and the button is higher than when the other end is pulled.
[0059] A suture button with two or more passageways may allow weaving one or more pieces of suture material through the passageways in a configuration that when one suture end is pulled, the suture material clamps on itself increasing the friction. When the suture is pulled in the other direction, the suture slips more easily.
[0060] For example, in some embodiments, the suture buttons includes a first passageway and a second passageway with a groove or open channel connecting them on one of the surfaces of the suture buttons. The groove or open channel causes a kink in the sutures, increasing friction when pulled in once direction than when compared to pulling the suture in the other direction.
[0061] In some embodiments, the suture buttons include a second passageway and a third passageway with a groove or open channel connecting them on the second or rear surface of the bottom. The groove or open channel on the rear surface provides clearance on the rear or opposite surface of the suture button so that the suture button may sit flat against the surface of tissue or bone.
[0062] In some embodiments, the suture buttons have a series of first and second groups or rows of passageways and a single third passageway. A third passageway may either fully or partially connect the top and bottom surface.
[0063] In some embodiments, the passageways may be round, square, triangular, oval, rectangular, or other suitable configuration. The suture buttons may be made of medical implantable grade material such as plastic, metal, ceramic, etc. The suture buttons may be implantable and used for repairing soft tissue by connecting sutures together.
[0064] The present disclosure is also directed to methods that may allow individual tensioning of sutures that are passed through the suture buttons. The methods may include weaving one or more sutures through the first passageway (A) in the suture buttons from the bottom surface in a button and then into a second passageway (B) through the top surface, and leaving an opening loop (Z) between the two passageways on the top surface of the button. Then, the suture(s) are brought up through a third passageway (C) in the bottom surface and through the opening loop (Z). The opening loop (Z) is now a clamping loop that will increase the resistance to sliding of the sutures when pulled in one direction than when compared to the resistance when pulled in the other direction.
[0065] For suture buttons having rows of passageways, the method of weaving one or more sutures through the first passageway (A), from the bottom surface in a button and then into a second passageway (B) through the top surface, and leaving an opening loop (Z) between the two passageways on the top surface of the button, a passageway group. Next, weaving the sutures(s) through an additional one or more passageway groups as stated above. Finally, the suture(s) are brought up through a third passageway (C) in the bottom surface and through the opening loops (Z). The opening loops (Z) are now a clamping loop that will increase the resistance to sliding of the sutures when pulled in one direction when compared to the resistance when pulled in the other direction.
[0066] The same descriptions may apply to sliding the suture button instead of pulling the sutures.
[0067] FIGS. 3-10 illustrate suture button or implant 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, suture button 100 may include a body 110 having three passageways extending through body 110, and an open channel extending between two of the passageways on one side of suture button 100 and an open channel extending between a different two of the passageways on the opposite side of suture button 100.
[0068] For example, body 110 may include a first side 120 and a second side 140 disposed opposite from first side 120. A peripheral side 130 is disposed between first side 120 and second side 140. In this illustrated embodiment, body110 may have a circular disc-shaped configuration. It will be appreciated that other configurations may be employed.
[0069] Body 110 may include a first passageway 150 having an axis A1 extending through body 110 from first side 120 to second side 140, a second passageway 160 having an axis A2 extending through body 110 from first side 120 to second side 140, and a third passageway 170 having an axis A3 extending through body 110 from first side 120 to second side 140. The passageways may be spaced apart from each other. The axes and passageways may be parallel to each other. For example, the passageways may be spaced 60 degrees from each other about a center or a center point of the suture button.
[0070] For example, first passageway 150 may include a first opening 152 that opens onto first side 120, and a second opening 154 that opens onto second side 140. second passageway 160 may include a first opening 162 that opens onto first side 120, and a second opening 164 that opens onto second side 140, and third passageway 170 may include a first opening 172 that opens onto first side 120, and a second opening 174 that opens onto second side 140.
[0071] Body 110 may include a first open channel 180 extending into body 110 along first side 120 and extending between and opening into first passageway 150 and second passageway 160. Body 110 may include a second open channel 190 extending into body 110 along second side 140 and extending between and opening into second passageway 160 and third passageway 170. First open channel 180 and second open channel 190 may be curved open channels. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the depth L1 of the open channel may be less than half, about half, equal to half, or greater than half the thickness L2 of the body of suture button 100.
[0072] First side 120 and second side 140 of body 110 may be generally flat, and peripheral side 130 may be cylindrical. The edge between the first side and the peripheral side may be rounded, and the edge between the second side and the peripheral side may be rounded.
[0073] FIGS. 11-15 illustrate a suture button or implant 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, suture button200 may include a body 210 having three passageways extending through body 210, and an open channel extending between two of the passageways on one side of suture button 200 and an open channel extending between a different two of the passageways on the opposite side of suture button 200.
[0074] For example, body 210 may include a first side 220 and a second side 240 disposed opposite from first side 220. A peripheral side 230 is disposed between first side 220 and second side 240. In this illustrated embodiment, body 210 may have a circular disc-shaped configuration. It will be appreciated that other configurations may be employed.
[0075] Body 210 may include a first passageway 250 having an axis B1 extending through body 210 from first side 220 to second side 240, a second passageway 260 having an axis B2 extending through body 210 from first side 220 to second side 240, and a third passageway 270 having an axis B3 extending through body 210 from first side 220 to second side 240. The passageways may be spaced apart from each other. The axes and passageways may be parallel to each other. The passageways may be spaced 60 degrees from each other about a center or a center point of the suture button.
[0076] For example, first passageway 250 may include a first opening 252 that opens on first side 220, and a second opening 254 that opens on second side 240. second passageway 260 may include a first opening 262 that opens on first side 220, and a second opening 264 that opens on second side 240, and third passageway 270 may include a first opening 272 that opens on first side 220, and a second opening 274 that opens on second side 240.
[0077] Body 210 may include a first open channel 280 extending into body 210 along first side 220 and extending between and opening into first passageway 250 and second passageway 260. Body 210 may include a second open channel 290 extending into body 210 along second side 240 and extending between and opening into second passageway 260 and third passageway 270. First open channel 280 and second open channel 290 may be curved open channels. As shown in FIG. 15, the depth L3 of the open channel may be less than half, abouthalf, equal to half, or greater than half the thickness L4 of the body of the suture button 200.
[0078] First side 220 and second side 240 of body 210 may be generally flat, and peripheral side 230 may be cylindrical. The edge between the first side and the peripheral side may be rounded, and the edge between the second side and the peripheral side may be rounded.
[0079] In this illustrated embodiment, peripheral side 230 may include a concave surface 232 extending between first side 220 and second side 240. A first notch 242 may be disposed along first side 220 and peripheral side 230. First notch 242 may have a curved wall 243. A second notch 244 may be disposed along second side 240 and peripheral side 230. Second notch 244 may have a curved wall 245. First notch 242 may have a landing 247 disposed midway between the thickness of the body of the suture button. Second notch 244 may have a landing 249 disposed midway between the thickness of the body of the suture button. The notches allow a surgeon to readily grasp or grab onto suture button 200 and hold suture button 200 while suturing a patient.
[0080] In this illustrated embodiment, first notch 242 may be disposed between second passageway 260 and third passageway 270. Second notch 244 may be disposed between first passageway 250 and second passageway 260.
[0081] FIGS. 16-20 illustrate a suture button or implant 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, suture button 300 may include a body 310 having three passageways extending through body 310, and an open channel extending between two of the passageways on one side of suture button 300 and an open channel extending between a different two of the passageways on the opposite side of suture button 300.
[0082] For example, body 310 may include a first side 320 and a second side 340 disposed opposite from first side 320. A peripheral side 330 is disposed between first side 320 and second side 340. In this illustrated embodiment, body 310 may have a circular disc-shaped configuration. It will be appreciated that other configurations may be employed.
[0083] Body 310 may include a first passageway 350 having an axis C1 extending through body 310 from first side 320 to second side 340, a second passageway 360 having an axis C2 extending through body 310 from first side 320 to second side 340, and a third passageway 370 having an axis C3 extending through body 310 from first side 320 to second side 340. The passageways may be spaced apart from each other. The axes and passageways may be parallel to each other. The passageways may be spaced 60 degrees from each other about a center or a center point of the suture button.
[0084] For example, first passageway 350 may include a first opening 352 that opens on first side 320, and a second opening 354 that opens on second side 340. second passageway 360 may include a first opening 362 that opens on first side 320, and a second opening 364 that opens on second side 340, and third passageway 370 may include a first opening 372 that opens on first side 320, and a second opening 374 that opens on second side 340.
[0085] Body 310 may include a first open channel 380 extending into body 310 along first side 320 and extending between and opening into first passageway 350 and second passageway 360. Body 310 may include a second open channel 390 extending into body 310 along second side 340 and extending between and opening into second passageway 360 and third passageway 370. First open channel 380 and second open channel 390 may be curved open channels. As shown in FIG. 20, the depth L5 of the open channel may be less than half, about half, equal to half, or greater than half the thickness L6 of the body of the suture button.
[0086] First side 320 and second side 340 of body 310 may be generally flat, and peripheral side 330 may be cylindrical. The edge between the first side and the peripheral side may be rounded, and the edge between the second side and the peripheral side may be rounded.
[0087] In this illustrated embodiment, peripheral side 330 may include a concave surface extending between first side 320 and second side 340. A first notch 342 may be disposed along first side 320 and peripheral side 330. First notch 342 may have a curved wall 343. A second notch 344 may be disposedalong second side 340 and peripheral side 330. Second notch 344 may have a curved wall 345. First notch 342 may have a landing disposed midway between the thickness of the body of the suture button. Second notch 344 may have a landing disposed midway between the thickness of the body of the suture button. The notches allow a surgeon to readily grasp or grab onto suture button 300 and hold suture button 300 while suturing a patient.
[0088] In this illustrated embodiment, first notch 342 may be disposed between first passageway 350 and second passageway 360. Second notch 344 may be disposed between first passageway 350 and third passageway 370.
[0089] FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a suture button or implant 400, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, suture button 400 may be essentially the same as suture button or implant 100 with the exception of only having an open channel on one side of the suture button or implant. For example, suture button or implant 400 may include a body 410 having three passageways extending through body 410, and the open channel extending between two of the passageways on one side of suture button 400.
[0090] FIGS. 23-27 illustrate a suture button or implant 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, suture button 500 may include a body 510 having a plurality of passageways extending through body 510, and a plurality of open channels extending between a plurality of adjacent passageways on one side of suture button 100.
[0091] For example, body 510 may include a first side 520 and a second side 540 disposed opposite from first side 520. A peripheral side 530 is disposed between first side 520 and second side 540. In this illustrated embodiment, body 510 may have an elongated or oblong shaped configuration. It will be appreciated that other configurations may be employed.
[0092] Body 510 may include a first row or plurality of passageways 550 having an axis D1 extending through body 510 from first side 520 to second side 540, and a second row or plurality of passageways 560 having an axis D2 extending through body 510 from first side 520 to second side 540. First plurality of passageways 550 and second plurality of passageways 560 may be disposed in rows and spacedapart to define rows along body 510. A third passageway 570 having an axis D3 extending through body 510 from first side 520 to second side 540 may be disposed between the rows of passageways. The axes and passageways may be parallel to each other.
[0093] For example, first passageways 550 may include first openings 552 that open onto first side 520, and second openings 554 that open onto second side 540. Second passageways 560 may include first openings 562 that open onto first side 520, and second openings 564 that open onto second side 540. Passageway 570 may include a first opening 572 that opens onto first side 520, and a second opening 574 that opens onto second side 540.
[0094] Body 510 may include a plurality of open channels 580 extending into body 510 along first side 520 and extending between and opening into adjacent ones of the first passageways 550 and second passageways 560. Body 510 may include second side 540 devoid of open channels. Open channel 580 may be V- shaped channels or other shaped channels. As shown in FIG. 27, the depth L7 of the open channels may be about less than half, about half, equal to half, or greater than half the thickness L6 of the body of the suture button.
[0095] First side 520 and second side 540 of body 510 may be generally flat, and peripheral side 530 may be oblong or obround. The edge between the first side and the peripheral side may be rounded, and the edge between the second side and the peripheral side may be rounded.
[0096] FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate a suture button or implant 600, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, suture button 600 may include a body 610 having two passageways extending through body 610, and open channel extending between two of the passageways on one side of suture button 100.
[0097] FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate a suture button 700 and suture material 790, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the suture material may be woven through the passageways with the suture material woven under the suture material and over the open channel.
[0098] FIGS. 32-38 illustrate a suture button or implant 800, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, suture button 800 may include a body 810 having three passageways extending through body 810, an open channel extending between two of the passageways on one side of suture button 800 and an open channel extending between a different two of the passageways on the opposite side of suture button 800. In addition, in this embodiment, the suture button or implant 800 may include an irregular disc-shaped configuration, and a relief groove along the second side as described further below.
[0099] For example, body 810 may include a first side 820 and a second side 840 disposed opposite from first side 820. A peripheral side 830 is disposed between first side 820 and second side 840. In this illustrated embodiment, body 810 may have a generally irregular disc-shaped configuration such as an irregular circular disc-shaped configuration. In some embodiments, body 810 may be a generally circular disc-shape with a side portion 812 that bulges outwardly. Portion 812, particularly along the bottom or second side, may act or function as a holding feature and may aid in reducing rotation of implant when the suture button sits on a bone. In other embodiments, the suture buttons described herein may be provided with an oval, elliptical, oblong, obround, tear drop, rectangular, trapezoidal, or other configurations that are asymmetric about one or more directions about an axis of rotation through the second side of the suture button.
[0100] Body 810 may include a first passageway 850 having an axis E1 extending through body 810 from first side 820 to second side 840, a second passageway 860 having an axis E2 extending through body 810 from first side 820 to second side 840, and a third passageway 870 having an axis E3 extending through body 810 from first side 820 to second side 840. The passageways may be spaced apart from each other. The axes and passageways may be parallel to each other. The passageways may be spaced 60 degrees from each other about a center or a center point of the suture button. In this illustrated embodiment, the passageways may have an oval or elliptical cross-section (best shown in FIGS. 33 and 34), or other suitable cross-section.
[0101] For example, first passageway 850 may include a first opening 852 (FIGS. 32 and 33) that opens onto first side 820, and a second opening 854 (FIG.34) that opens onto second side 840. second passageway 860 may include a first opening 862 (FIGS. 32 and 33) that opens onto first side 820, and a second opening 864 (FIG. 34) that opens onto second side 840, and third passageway 870 may include a first opening 872 (FIGS. 32 and 33) that opens onto first side 820, and a second opening 874 (FIG. 34) that opens onto second side 840.
[0102] Body 810 may include a first open channel 880 (FIG. 32) extending into body 810 along first side 820 and extending between and opening into first passageway 850 and second passageway 860. Body 810 may include a second open channel 890 (FIG. 33) extending into body 810 along second side 840 and extending between and opening into second passageway 860 and third passageway 870. First open channel 880 and second open channel 890 may be curved open channels. The depth of the open channel may be less than half, about half, less than half, equal to half, or greater than half the thickness of the body of the suture button 800.
[0103] First side 820 and second side 840 of body 810 may be generally flat, and peripheral side 830 may be an irregular configuration. The edge between the first side and the peripheral side may be rounded, and the edge between the second side and the peripheral side may be rounded.
[0104] For example, suture material may be woven through the passageways with the suture material woven under the suture material and over the open channel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as similarly shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 . A relief groove 895 extends along second side 840 from a first portion of peripheral side 830, across passageway 850, to a second portion of peripheral side 830. Relief groove 895 allows sutures to nest within the implant, helps reduce rotation, and allows the implant to sit on the bone surface. In some embodiments, suture button 800 may have one or more recesses disposed along the peripheral side of the suture button, which recesses are operable for allowing a surgeon to grasp and hold suture button. For example, suture button 800 may have a plurality of recesses, such as a pair of recesses 835 and 837, disposed along the peripheral side 830. It will be appreciated that the suture buttons described herein may incorporate the relief groove and / or recesses described above in connection with suture button 800.
[0105] FIGS. 39 and 40 illustrate suture button 800 and suture material 898 and 899, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the suture materials may be woven through the passageways with the suture materials woven under the suture material and over the open channel. In other embodiments, a suture may employ a single suture material or a plurality of suture materials. For example, up to about 8 suture materials may be employed. In some embodiment, the number of suture materials may extend differently from each side of the relief portion of suture button 800. For example, two suture materials may extend in one direction, and 6 suture materials may extend in the opposite direction.
[0106] FIG. 41 illustrates a method 900 for using a suture button, such as the suture buttons described herein, for suturing, according an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, method 900 may include at 910 providing a suture button having a body with a plurality of passageways extending therethrough from a first side to a second side and an open channel connecting the plurality of passageways on the first side of the body, at 920 providing a suture material, at 930 weaving the suture material through the passageways with the suture material extending through a first passageway across the open channel, and through a second passageway, and at 940 weaving the suture material under the suture material and over the open channel, for example, between the suture material and the open channel.
[0107] In other embodiments, the suture buttons may be made from nonmetallic, nylon or other suitable plastic material, which has an axial orifice therethrough for passage of the suture and which axial passage or orifice is intersected by a radial orifice extending diametrically therethrough to receive a locking pin which engages the suture in a wedging action to hold it tightly in the suture button.
[0108] The suture button may also include a pad of soft, spongy material, such as sponge rubber, secured to one face of the disc with a covering of cloth or fabric which lies against the skin and prevents irritation or maceration.
[0109] In the various embodiments, the disc-shaped or irregular-shaped suture buttons may generally have a diameter between about 5 mm (millimeters) andabout 15 mm, between about 5 mm and about 10 mm, about 5 mm, about 7.5 mm, about 10 mm, about 15 mm, or other suitable diameters. The disc-shaped or irregular-shaped suture buttons may have a thickness between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, between about 2 mm and about 4 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, or other suitable thicknesses. The discshaped or irregular-shaped suture buttons may have passageways having generally a diameter between 1 mm and about 3 mm, between about 1 .5 mm and about 2.5 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3 mm, or other suitable diameters. The passageways may be spaced apart between about 0.5 mm to 1 .5 mm, between about 1 mm to 1 .5 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 1 mm, about 1 .5 mm, about 2 mm, or other suitable distance. The open channels may have a concave surface with a radius of about 0.5 mm to about 1 .5 mm, about 1 mm, or other suitable radius. The disc-shaped or irregular-shaped suture buttons may have a peripheral side having a concave surface with a radius of about 0.5 mm to about 1 .5 mm, about 1 mm, or other suitable radius. The notches may have a have a concave surface having a radius of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 1 mm, or other suitable radius. The reliefs and the recesses may be appropriately sized and configured in connection with the other features of the suture buttons.
[0110] In the various embodiments, the elongated suture buttons may have a width between about 5 mm and about 15 mm, between about 5 mm and about 10 mm, about 5 mm, about 7.5 mm, about 10 mm, about 15 mm, or other suitable width. The elongated suture buttons may have a length between about 5 mm and about 25 mm, between about 5 mm and about 20 mm, between about 10 mm and about 20 mm, about 5 mm, about 7.5 mm, about 10 mm, about 15 mm, about 20 mm, about 25 mm, or other suitable length. The elongated suture buttons may have a thickness between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, between about 2 mm and about 4 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, or other suitable thicknesses. The elongated suture buttons may have passageways having a diameter between 1 mm and about 3 mm, between about 1 .5 mm and about 2.5 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3 mm, or other suitable diameters. The rows of passageways may be spaced apart between about 0.5 mm to 2 mm, between about 1 mm to 1 .5 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 1 mm, about 1 .5 mm, about 2 mm, or other suitable distance. The passageways in a rowmay be spaced apart between about 0.5 mm to 2 mm, between about 1 mm to 1 .5 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 1 mm, about 1 .5 mm, about 2 mm, or other suitable distance. The open channel may have a V-shaped configuration with the angled sides disposed between about 30 degree and about 60 degrees, about 30 degree and about 45 degrees, about 45 degree and about 60 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 60 degrees, or other suitable angle.
[0111] The above described embodiments may include passageways having circular, oval, other cross-sectional configurations, and / or combinations thereof.
[0112] The suture buttons may be made of metal, plastic, or other materials. It can have a soft pad or covering to prevent skin irritation. The suture buttons may be used to fixate bones, ligaments, or other tissues in various surgical procedures. The suture material may be an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suture.
[0113] As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the abovedescribed and other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the invention. The suture buttons or implants, sutures, and other components and configurations of the devices and / or apparatus as disclosed, including the accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative component(s) or feature(s), such as those disclosed in another embodiment, which serve the same, equivalent or similar purpose as known by those skilled in the art to achieve the same, equivalent or similar results by such alternative component(s) or feature(s) to provide a similar function for the intended purpose. In addition, the devices, apparatus, and systems may include more or fewer components or features than the embodiments as described and illustrated herein. Accordingly, this detailed description of the currently-preferred embodiments is to be taken as illustrative, as opposed to limiting the invention.
[0114] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be furtherunderstood that the terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such as "has", and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as "includes" and "including"), and "contain" (and any form of contain, such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more steps or elements possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of a device that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
[0115] The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. It will be understood that the architectural and operational embodiments described herein are exemplary of a plurality of possible arrangements to provide the same general features, characteristics, and general apparatus operation. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.* * * * *
Claims
CLAIMS:1 . A suture button comprising: a body comprising: a first side; a second side opposite from the first side; a peripheral side disposed between the first side and the second side; a first passageway extending through the body from the first side to the second side; a second passageway extending through the body from the first side to the second side, the second passageway spaced from the first passageway; and a first open channel extending into the body along the first side and extending between the first passageway and the second passageway.
2. The suture button of claim 1 wherein the body comprises: a second open channel extending into the body along the second side and extending between the first passageway and the second passageway.
3. The suture button of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises: a first notch disposed along the first side and the peripheral side.
4. The suture button of claim 3, wherein the body comprises: a second notch disposed along the second side and the peripheral side.
5. The suture button of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises: a first notch disposed along the first side and the peripheral side; a second notch disposed along the second side and the peripheral side; the notches have a depth at least half the thickness of the body of the suture button.
6. The suture button of claim 2, wherein: the first and / or second open channel comprises a curved open channel.
7. The suture button of claim 2, wherein: the first and / or second open channel comprises a V-shaped open channel.
8. The suture button of claim 1 , wherein: the peripheral side comprises a concave surface extending between the first side and the second side.
9. The suture button of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises: a circular disc-shaped body; and the first and second passageways comprise circular passageways.
10. The suture button of claim 1 wherein the body comprises; a third passageway extending through the body from the first side to the second side, the third passageway spaced from the first passageway and from the second passageway.11 . The suture button of claim 10, wherein the body comprises; a third open channel extending into the body along the second side and extending between the second passageway and the third passageway.
12. The suture button of claim 10, wherein the body comprises: a first notch disposed along the first side and the peripheral side.
13. The suture button of claim 12, wherein; the first notch is disposed between the first passageway and the second passageway.
14. The suture button of claim 12, wherein the body comprises: a second notch disposed along the second side and the peripheral side.
15. The suture button of claim 14, wherein; the second notch is disposed between the second passageway and the third passageway.
16. The suture button of claim 11 , wherein: the first and / or third open channels comprises a curved open channel.
17. The suture button claim 11 , wherein: the first and / or third open channels comprises a V-shaped open channel.
18. The suture button of claim 10, wherein: the peripheral side comprises a concave surface extending between the first side and the second side.
19. The suture button of claim 10, wherein the body comprises: a circular disc-shaped body; and the first, the second, and the third passageways comprise passageways having circular cross-sections.
20. The suture button of claim 10, wherein the body comprises: the second side having an irregular shape.21 . The suture button of claim 10, wherein the body comprises: the first, the second, and the third passageways comprising oval cross-sections.
22. The suture button of claim 10, wherein the body comprises: a relief groove extending along the second side from a first portion of the peripheral side, across the first passageway, to a second portion of the peripheral side.
23. The suture button of claim 10, wherein the body comprises: a first recess and a second recess disposed along the peripheral side.
24. The suture button of claim 10, wherein the body comprises: the second side having an irregular shape; the first, the second, and the third passageways comprise oval crosssections; a relief groove extending along the second side from a first portion of the peripheral side, across the first passageway, to a second portion of the peripheral side; and a first recess and a second recess disposed along the peripheral side.
25. A suture button, comprising: an elongated body comprising: a first side; a second side opposite from the first side; a peripheral side disposed between the first side and the second side; a first row of passageways extending through the body from the first side to the second side; a second row of passageways extending through the body from the first side to the second side, the second row of passageways spaced from the second row of passageways; and a plurality of open channels extending into the body along the first side and extending between the first row of passageways and the second row of passageways.
26. The suture button of claim 25, wherein the body comprises; a passageway extending through the body from the first side to the second side, the passageway offset from the first row of passageways and the second row of passageways.
27. The suture button of claim 25, wherein: the open channels comprises a curved open channels.
28. The suture button of claim 25, wherein: the open channels comprises V-shaped open channels.
29. The suture button of claim 25, wherein the body comprises: an elongated planar-shaped body; and the first row and the second row of passageways comprise circular passageways.
30. The suture button of claim 1 , wherein: the body comprises a medical implantable grade plastic, metal, or ceramic material.31 . A surgical repair comprising: the suture button of claim 1 ; and suture material.
32. The surgical repair of claim 31 , wherein: the suture material extends through soft tissue.
33. The surgical repair of claim 32, wherein: the surface of the body having the open channel is disposed adjacent to the soft tissue.
34. The surgical repair of claim 32, wherein: the suture button is disposed adjacent to a bone.
35. The surgical repair of claim 34, wherein: the surface of the body having the open channel is disposed adjacent to the bone.
36. A method comprising: providing a suture button of claim 1 ; providing suture material; and weaving the suture material through the first and second passageways in a configuration wherein a first portion of the suture material is disposed over the first open channel and under a second portion of the suture material.
37. A method comprising: providing a suture button of claim 10; providing suture material; and weaving the suture material through the first, second, and third passageways.
38. A method comprising: providing a suture button of claim 20; providing suture material; and weaving the suture material through the first, second, and third passageways.
39. A method comprising: providing a suture button of claim 24; providing suture material; and weaving the suture material through the first, second, and third passageways.
40. A method comprising: providing a suture button having a body comprising: a first passageway extending through the body;a second passageway extending through the body, the second passageway spaced from the first passageway; a first open channel extending into the body along the first side and extending between the first passageway and the second passageway; providing suture material; and wherein the suture material is woven through the first and second passageways in a configuration such that when one suture end is pulled, the friction between the suture material and the button is higher than when the other end is pulled.41 . The method of claim 40, further comprising: repairing soft tissue with the suture material.
42. The method of claim 41 , further comprising: positioning the surface of the body having the open channel adjacent to the soft tissue.
43. The method of claim 40, further comprising: positioning the suture button adjacent to a bone.
44. The method of claim 43, further comprising: positioning the surface of the body having the open channel adjacent to a bone.
45. A method comprising: providing a suture button having a body which a first, a second, and a third passageways extending therethrough from a first side to a second side, a first open channel connecting the first and the second passageways on the first side of the body, and a second open channel connecting the second and the third passageways on the second side of the body; providing a suture material; and weaving the suture material through the first, the second, and the third passageways with the suture material extending through the first passagewayacross the open channel, through the second passageway, across the second open channel, and through the third passageway, and under the suture material disposed over the first open channel.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein the body comprises: an irregular disc-shaped body; the first, the second, and the third passageways comprise oval crosssections; a relief groove extending along the second side from a first portion of the peripheral side, across the first passageway, to a second portion of the peripheral side; and a first recess and a second recess disposed along the peripheral side.* * * * *