Adjustable Loop Fixation for Knotless Joint Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical methods require knot-tying, which can be cumbersome and may compromise the stability and strength of surgical repairs, particularly in procedures like syndesmosis, AC joint, UCL, and PCL repairs.
Innovation Solution
A surgical fixation system featuring adjustable loops with independent locking mechanisms, allowing for knotless procedures by using a combination of fixation devices and adjustable loops with free braid strands to adjust loop size and secure fixation without knots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If knot-tying is used in surgical methods, then the surgical repair can be completed, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and the stability and strength of the surgical repair may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the knot-tying step from the surgical procedure by using a pre-configured adjustable loop system with locking mechanisms. The loop is inserted and adjusted intraoperatively without requiring the surgeon to tie knots, thereby eliminating the cumbersome operation while maintaining repair stability and strength through the locking mechanism's secure hold.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable loop is pre-formed with a locking mechanism during manufacturing, so that when it is inserted into the surgical site, it can be immediately adjusted and locked into place without requiring knot-tying. This preliminary preparation of the loop structure eliminates the need for intraoperative knot-tying operations.
2Productivity
If adjustable loops with locking mechanisms are used, then knotless procedures are enabled and surgical efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustable loop, locking mechanism, and fixation elements into a single integrated component system. This merging of functions into one unified device allows the surgeon to insert and adjust the loop in a single operation without needing multiple separate components, thereby improving surgical efficiency while the integration actually reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate knots and fixation devices.
3Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are implemented, then the reliability of the fixation is enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into discrete functional segments: a locking element, a locking surface, and an adjustment portion. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes and then assembled, simplifying manufacturing while enabling the multi-stage locking action that enhances fixation reliability. The segmented design also facilitates quality control and manufacturing scalability.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to surgical fixation systems and methods. The surgical fixation systems of this disclosure may include various combinations of fixation devices, soft suture constructs, and/or adjustable loops and are configured for use in various knotless surgical methods, including but not limited to, syndesmosis, AC joint, UCL, bunion, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) surgical methods.