Coracoclavicular Fixation Device for AC Joint Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
After reparative or reconstructive surgery on the acromioclavicular joint, it is challenging to maintain the alignment of the joint due to insufficient strength of the repair or reconstruction, leading to potential re-separation and delayed rehabilitation.
Innovation Solution
A novel joint repair tool and associated instruments are used to strengthen the repair by inserting a device that connects the bones while allowing normal motion, including a drill sleeve, pin guide, cannulated drill bits, and a driver to ensure proper alignment and fixation of the joint repair tool between the clavicle and scapula bones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional ligament repair or reconstruction is performed on the AC joint, then the ligaments are repaired or reconstructed, but the alignment of the joint cannot be maintained due to insufficient strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coracoclavicular fixation device as an intermediary element between the clavicle and coracoid process. This device provides mechanical support and stabilization to the AC joint during the healing period, acting as a mediator that compensates for the insufficient strength of the repaired ligaments while maintaining proper joint alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device is installed before the ligament healing is complete, providing preliminary mechanical support. The device is positioned and secured to establish proper alignment and stabilize the joint during the critical early healing phase, preventing re-separation before the ligaments gain sufficient strength.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the AC joint is stabilized strongly to maintain alignment, then alignment is maintained better, but normal motion between the bones is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device provides localized stabilization at the coracoclavicular ligament insertion site without imposing rigid constraints on the entire AC joint. The device anchors the clavicle to the coracoid process at a specific location, maintaining alignment while allowing physiological motion and flexibility in other areas of the joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device allows for dynamic motion characteristics, permitting controlled movement between the clavicle and scapula while maintaining overall joint stability. The device accommodates physiological loading and motion patterns, providing stabilization that adapts to the joint's functional requirements rather than imposing rigid fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for repairing and reconstructing a joint which has been injured by trauma, and especially an acromioclavicular joint. Means are disclosed to strengthen the repair or reconstruction and to maintain alignment while the ligaments in the joint heal, thus allowing more aggressive rehabilitation. A new joint repair tool is disclosed which is inserted into two separated bones adjacent to their respective articular joint surfaces to connect the two bones and approximate the adjacent bearing articular joint surfaces while still allowing motion between the two bones. Instruments to perform the methods are also disclosed.