Two-Way Adjustable Loop Suspensory Device for Soft Tissue Graft Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspensory graft fixation devices have fixed loop lengths, making them challenging to use in situations where a bone tunnel of adequate length is not available, and they do not allow for easy adjustment to correct over-tensioning or improper graft placement.
Innovation Solution
A 2-way adjustable loop suspensory device that includes an elongated anchor member with suture receiving apertures and a graft supporting loop element formed of a suture with adjustable loops. The device allows the loop length to be adjusted by pulling the suture in one direction to lengthen and in the opposite direction to shorten, and automatically locks the loop size and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed loop length is used in suspensory graft fixation devices, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to bone tunnels of varying lengths and cannot correct over-tensioning or improper graft placement
Solution Approach 1:
The suture loop is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing the loop length to be modified after device implantation. The suture can be pulled through the anchor member to lengthen or shorten the loop, enabling adaptation to different bone tunnel lengths and correction of improper graft placement without requiring multiple fixed-size devices
Solution Approach 2:
The suture loop is divided into segments that can be independently adjusted. The suture passes through the anchor member multiple times, creating separable sections that can be repositioned to achieve the desired loop length, providing flexibility while maintaining structural integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed loop length is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but multiple device sizes must be produced to accommodate different surgical situations
Solution Approach 1:
A single anchor member design with multiple suture receiving apertures serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables loop length adjustment, and allows adaptation to various bone tunnel configurations. This universal design eliminates the need to manufacture multiple fixed-size devices while maintaining ease of production through standardized components
3Ease of operation
If the loop length is fixed, then the device provides stable fixation, but it cannot correct over-tensioning or improper graft placement
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable suture loop provides visual and tactile feedback to the surgeon during the procedure. The surgeon can observe the loop length and tension, make real-time adjustments by pulling the suture through the anchor member, and verify proper graft placement before finalizing the fixation, thereby ensuring both stability and correctness
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices for fixation of a soft tissue graft at a surgical site. A suspensory graft fixation device (100) for securing a replacement graft ligament in a bone tunnel includes an elongated anchor member (102) with top (114) and bottom (116) surfaces, and adjacent first (110) and second (112) suture receiving apertures extending from the top surface to the bottom surface thereof. A graft supporting loop element is attached to the anchor member and is formed of a suture (104) having first and second limbs (124, 126). The suture is threaded through the first and second suture receiving apertures such that first and second loops (132, 134) are formed in the suture. The first and second loops extend from the bottom surface, while the first and second limbs extend from the top surface. A splice (136) is formed in the second limb extending from the top surface and the first limb extends through the splice.