Suture Anchor AC Joint Fixation Minimizing Tissue Trauma
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for acromioclavicular joint dislocations, such as non-operative methods and open reduction surgeries, are either ineffective due to skin breakdown and discomfort or require extensive hospital stays and rehabilitation, lacking a minimally invasive solution that allows normal physiological movement and reduces scarring.
Innovation Solution
A mini-open approach using a first suture anchor-suture-second suture anchor technique with a flexible coupling, where the first suture is double looped through the suture anchors, allowing for internal fixation of the AC joint dislocation without extensive tissue dissection, enabling physiological micromotion and reducing the need for implant removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-operative treatment with external reduction devices is used, then the procedure is simple to apply, but skin breakdown and discomfort occur preventing continuous wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces external mechanical reduction devices (straps, casts, taping) with an internal suture anchor system that provides stabilization without external contact, eliminating skin-related complications while maintaining reduction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The suture anchors act as intermediaries between the clavicle and coracoid process, providing internal fixation that transfers mechanical stabilization function from external devices to internal bone-anchored sutures, avoiding skin contact entirely
2Reliability
If open reduction surgery is performed, then ligament repair and deformity correction are achieved, but extensive tissue dissection and long hospital stay are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of open reduction (anatomical positioning) and achieves it through minimal incision, removing the need for extensive muscle dissection and exposure while maintaining the ability to reduce and fix the deformity
Solution Approach 2:
The procedure segments the surgical approach into minimal dissection zones, isolating only the necessary exposure areas for anchor placement while leaving surrounding tissues undisturbed, thereby reducing overall surgical trauma
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fixation methods are used, then stable fixation is achieved, but physiological micromotion is restricted and scarring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic sutures that allow controlled micromotion between the clavicle and coracoid process, enabling the fixation system to adapt to physiological movements while maintaining stable reduction, unlike rigid fixation methods
Solution Approach 2:
The suture configuration and tensioning parameters are optimized to provide stable fixation while permitting normal physiological range of motion, changing the fixation characteristics from rigid to dynamically stable
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for surgically reducing and internally fixing a shoulder acromioclavicular joint dislocation are disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a button and a washer, the washer being flexibly secured to the coracoid process of the scapula by means of a bone screw, the button and washer being secured together by means of a first suture. A second suture is provided secured between the button and a needle, such that the needle and associated button, may be advanced through a hole drilled through the clavicle, wherein the button and the washer may then be tightened, reducing the coracoclavicular distance, by means of the first suture connected therebetween, to reduce and hold a desired acromioclavicular joint dislocation.