Nested Washer Button for ACL Tissue Graft Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing tissue grafts in ACL replacement surgeries require precise drilling and measurement for smaller diameter passages, adding complexity and potential errors, especially in pediatric cases where bone structure is delicate.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device comprising a washer with a recessed surface and a button that provides a snap-fit or interference-fit, allowing for a uniform femoral passage diameter without the need for precise drilling, enabling secure fixation with a low profile and reduced procedural steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a smaller diameter passage is used for receiving the fixation button, then the fixation is more secure, but the drilling and measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation button is nested within a larger washer structure. The washer has an intermediate portion with a recessed surface that receives the button, creating a nested configuration. This allows the system to achieve secure fixation while using a uniform, larger passage diameter that is easier to drill and measure accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer serves multiple functions: it provides a larger surface area for secure bone engagement, houses the fixation button, and accommodates sutures. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate small-diameter passing channels, allowing a single uniform diameter passage to suffice.
2Strength
If precise drilling and measurement are performed for smaller diameter passages, then fixation security is improved, but the procedural complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration of the button within the washer allows the system to achieve secure fixation without requiring separate small-diameter passages. The washer's larger structure accommodates both the button and suture routing, simplifying the drilling procedure to a single uniform diameter hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides the fixation surface, houses the button, and routes the suture. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate small-diameter passing channels and reduces procedural steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If a uniform diameter passage is used, then the drilling procedure is simplified, but the fixation security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The button is nested within the washer's recessed intermediate portion, allowing secure fixation to be achieved within a uniform diameter passage. The nested configuration maximizes the fixation surface area while maintaining a simple, single-diameter hole that is easy to drill.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer provides a larger surface area in the radial dimension, compensating for the uniform passage diameter. By expanding the fixation interface in the radial direction rather than requiring a smaller axial passage, the design achieves secure fixation with simplified drilling.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates endoscopic procedures by simplifying the fixation process, avoiding the need for multiple drills and precise measurements, and accommodating a range of bone diameters, thus enhancing surgical efficiency and safety, particularly in pediatric cases.
Implementation Method 1
The recessed portion is configured to provide a snap-fit or an interference-fit with the second member.
Implementation Method 2
The recessed portion is configured to provide a snap-fit or an interference-fit with the second member.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device includes a member having first and second opposing surfaces. The member includes an intermediate portion in which the first surface has a recessed surface portion. The intermediate portion defines a hole extending from the recessed surface portion to the second surface. End portions extend from the intermediate portion, and each end portion defines a hole extending from the first surface to the second surface. The member has a tapered surface portion on the second surface. The surgical device includes a second member sized to be received within the recessed surface portion. A method includes locating a tissue fixation device at an opening to a bone hole, and increasing the size of the tissue fixation device by placing the tissue fixation device within a larger device.