Self-Locking Adjustable ACL Graft Fixation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for ACL graft fixation in knee reconstruction procedures face challenges in achieving stable and efficient attachment of grafts to the femur and tibia, leading to potential instability and degenerative arthritis if not properly addressed.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing self-locking adjustable flexible members with pairs of free ends and adjustable loops are used to tension and fix the ACL graft within femoral and tibial tunnels, ensuring secure attachment by reducing loop size and applying tension to draw the graft into place, with additional fixation members implanted to secure the graft to the tibia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ACL graft fixation methods are used, then the graft can be attached to the femur and tibia, but the attachment stability is insufficient leading to potential instability and degenerative arthritis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements including adjustable loops that can be tensioned to different degrees, flexible members that adapt to anatomical variations, and a staged fixation process that allows for optimization of graft tensioning. The system transitions from a static traditional fixation approach to a dynamic, adjustable system that can be optimized intraoperatively
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes through adjustable loop sizes, varying tension levels applied to the graft, and modular fixation components that can be configured in different arrangements. These parameter adjustments allow optimization of the fixation system to achieve superior stability while minimizing risks of instability and degenerative arthritis
2Reliability
If self-locking adjustable flexible members are used to tension the graft, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into modular segments including separate flexible members, adjustable loops, and fixation components that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing the complexity burden of the enhanced security features
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking mechanism inherent in the adjustable loops provides automatic securing without requiring additional locking steps or complex fastening procedures. Once tensioned, the loops maintain their position through inherent mechanical properties, reducing the operational complexity despite the increased structural complexity for enhanced security
3Reliability
If multiple fixation members are implanted to secure the graft, then the graft attachment is more stable, but the surgical procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical technique employs preliminary action by pre-positioning the flexible members and adjustable loops before final graft tensioning. The fixation components are prepared and staged in advance, allowing for efficient sequential implantation that reduces overall surgical time while maintaining the stability benefits of multiple fixation members
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use in graft fixation in a knee reconstruction procedure can include a first femoral fixation member adapted to be retained relative to a first end of a femoral tunnel and a first self-locking adjustable flexible member construct having a passage portion with a pair of free ends and a pair of self-locking adjustable loops. The first flexible member construct can be interconnected to the first femoral fixation member. A second femoral fixation member can be coupled to the first flexible member construct and can be adapted to be positioned in the femoral tunnel relative to a second end of the femoral tunnel adjacent a joint space between the femur and a tibia. A second self-locking adjustable flexible member construct having a passage portion with a pair of free ends and a pair of self-locking adjustable loops can be interconnected to the second femoral fixation member.