Adjustable Knotless Button-Loop Construct for Ankle Syndesmosis Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ankle syndesmosis repair techniques require knot-tying for fixation, which can be cumbersome and may not provide optimal stability.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable, knotless button/loop construct using two fixation devices connected by a flexible, adjustable loop, allowing secure fixation without knots, utilizing a braided suture material to form a self-locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If knot-tying is used to secure the button against the fibular cortex, then fixation can be achieved, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and may not provide optimal stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the knot-tying step from the fixation procedure by designing a button with an integrated locking mechanism. The button incorporates a slot and engagement feature that directly secures the suture against the fibular cortex without requiring traditional knot-tying, thereby simplifying the operation while maintaining fixation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The button design enables self-securing through its inherent structural features. The slot and engagement mechanism automatically lock the suture in place when the button is positioned against the bone, eliminating the need for surgical intervention to tie knots. This self-locking feature reduces procedural complexity while ensuring stable fixation
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional suture fixation is used, then bone alignment can be maintained, but the construct lacks adjustability and may loosen over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the fixation construct by incorporating a movable button component that can be positioned at different locations along the suture. This allows the surgeon to adjust the tension and positioning of the fixation during the procedure, enabling the system to adapt to varying anatomical conditions while maintaining bone alignment stability
Solution Approach 2:
The suture construct is divided into discrete segments including the button, slot, and suture material, allowing independent adjustment of each component. The button can be repositioned along the suture length, and the slot can be oriented in different directions, providing versatility in achieving optimal bone alignment while preventing loosening
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable, knotless button/loop construct for fixation of ankle syndesmosis tibio-fibular diastasis and an associated method of ankle repair using the same. The knotless construct comprises a pair of buttons attached to a flexible, continuous, self-cinching, adjustable loop integrated with two splices that are interconnected. The knotless construct is passed through fibular and tibia tunnels and the buttons are secured on the cortical surfaces of tibia and fibula. One of the buttons (for example, an oblong button) is secured on the medial side of the tibia by passing the button and the flexible, adjustable loop though the fibular and tibia tunnels and then flipping and seating the button outside the tibia. The length of the flexible adjustable loop is adjusted so that the second button (for example, a round button) is appropriately secured on the lateral fibula.