Adjustable Loop Graft Fixation with Knot Stack Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical fixation systems for grafts or filaments within bone tunnels lack effective mechanisms for secure and adjustable fixation, leading to potential loosening and reduced stability during tissue reconstruction procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical fixation system comprising a fixation device with adjustable loops and a knot stack mechanism, utilizing adjustable eyesplice loops and free braid strands to create a locking mechanism that secures the graft or filament within the bone tunnel, providing enhanced stability and adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fixation device is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of graft fixation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into multiple functional components: a body portion, a loop portion, and a knot stack mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the body provides structural support, the loop carries the graft, and the knot stack provides adjustable locking - thereby improving overall fixation reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system incorporates dynamic elements including adjustable eyesplice loops that can be modified during surgery, free braid strands that allow for tension adjustment, and a knot stack that enables postoperative tuning. These dynamic features permit the system to adapt to different surgical scenarios and patient-specific requirements, enhancing reliability without requiring an entirely complex fixed-design device
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-loop fixation system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different surgical scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The loop portion is designed as an adjustable structure with eyesplice loops that can be modified during the procedure. The free braid strands allow the loop to be tensioned or relaxed as needed, and the knot stack mechanism enables postoperative adjustment. This dynamic design provides adaptability to different surgical scenarios while the modular nature keeps the complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device is designed with universal features that can be applied across multiple surgical scenarios including ACL, PCL, ankle, and shoulder joint repairs. The adjustable loop and knot stack mechanism provide the same core functionality - secure graft fixation - across different applications, eliminating the need for scenario-specific devices while maintaining versatility
3Stability of the object's composition
If a simple fixation mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the stability during cyclic loading is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system incorporates self-locking features where the knot stack automatically secures the loop portion to the body upon initial tensioning. The free braid strands are designed to self-tension and lock into place, reducing the need for complex manual manipulation during surgery. This self-service capability achieves high stability under cyclic loading while keeping the ease of operation high by eliminating the need for complex suture management techniques
4Reliability
If traditional suture fixation is used, then the ease of manufacture is high, but the suture breakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device integrates multiple materials with complementary properties: a rigid body portion for structural support, flexible loop portion for graft carrying, and tension-resistant knot stack mechanism. This composite construction distributes mechanical loads more effectively than traditional single-material sutures, reducing breakage risk while the integrated design simplifies manufacturing compared to assembling separate components
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to surgical fixation systems and methods. The surgical fixation systems can include a fixation device and an adjustable loop connected to the fixation device.