Single-Tunnel Double-Bundle ACL Reconstruction Implant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ACL reconstruction techniques, such as single-bundle and double-tunnel, double-bundle methods, fail to adequately restore native anatomy and function, leading to rotational instability and degenerative changes in the knee joint, with double-tunnel, double-bundle reconstruction being technically challenging and costly.
Innovation Solution
A single-tunnel, double-bundle reconstruction method using an implant with a sheath, ledges, and anchors to separate and secure two graft bundles in anatomically correct positions within a single tunnel, allowing for superior stability and reduced surgical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If double-tunnel, double-bundle reconstruction is performed to restore both AM and PL bundles, then knee stability and rotational stability are improved, but surgical complexity and bone loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate tunnels into a single common tunnel that houses both the AM bundle graft and PL bundle graft. This merging approach maintains the functional separation of the two bundles while simplifying the surgical procedure by requiring only one tunnel drilling operation, thereby reducing surgical complexity and bone loss while preserving the stability benefits of double-bundle reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
Within the single common tunnel, the patent uses a split fixture or guide to segment and separate the two graft bundles into their respective anatomical positions (AM and PL bundles). This segmentation allows each bundle to be positioned and tensioned independently to restore native ACL function while avoiding the complexity of drilling four separate tunnels
2Reliability
If double-tunnel, double-bundle reconstruction is performed to restore both AM and PL bundles, then rotational stability is improved, but operative time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tunnel drilling operations into a single procedure, where one common tunnel is drilled and both graft bundles are passed through it. This eliminates the need to drill four separate tunnels, significantly reducing operative time while maintaining the rotational stability benefits of reconstructing both AM and PL bundles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a split fixture or guide that is prepared in advance to simultaneously receive and position both graft bundles within the single tunnel. This preliminary preparation allows for efficient placement and tensioning of both bundles during a single surgical session, reducing overall operative time while ensuring proper anatomical positioning for rotational stability
3Ease of operation
If single-bundle reconstruction is performed to simplify surgery, then surgical complexity is reduced, but rotational stability and native anatomy restoration are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single graft into two distinct bundles (AM bundle and PL bundle) within the single tunnel using a split fixture or guide. This segmentation allows each bundle to be positioned and tensioned independently to restore both anterior tibial translation control and rotational stability, thereby maintaining rotational stability while preserving surgical simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a split fixture or guide as an intermediary device that facilitates the separation and positioning of the two graft bundles within the single tunnel. This intermediary tool enables the complex task of creating two functional bundles from a single graft while maintaining the surgical simplicity of a single-tunnel approach, thus preserving rotational stability without increasing surgical complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for ligament reconstruction provides an implant configured to position ligaments in the anatomic positions to thereby to restore the native anatomy and function of the reconstructed area. The implant includes a sheath, a first ledge, a second ledge, a first anchor and a second anchor. The sheath has an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the interior surface of the sheath forms a lumen configured to receive a sheath expander. The first ledge and the second are configured to separate the ligaments and acts as an anchor for the sheath in the bone tunnel. The first anchor and the second anchor are configured to engage the ligaments and be expandable outwards away from the lumen to provide fixation in a bone tunnel. When the implant receives the sheath expander, the ligaments can be separated, positioned, and secured in the bone tunnel.