Adjustable Loop Suture Construct for Bone Anchor Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for coupling soft tissue to bone using sutures and anchors are time-consuming and limited by the strength of the knot, which can be weaker than the suture material, especially when improperly tied.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a braided tubular suture with adjustable loops that are secured to bone anchors, allowing for tension to be applied to constrict the loops around the soft tissue, providing a stronger and more efficient attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional sutures and anchors are used to secure soft tissue to bone, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and the strength of the repair is limited by the knot strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the knot-tying operation from the overall procedure by using pre-formed loops that eliminate the need for surgical knot tying. The suture construct includes a pre-formed loop that can be directly engaged with the bone anchor, removing the time-consuming knot manipulation steps while maintaining the secure attachment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is prepared in advance with a pre-formed loop structure before implantation. This preliminary configuration of the suture allows for direct engagement with the bone anchor without requiring intraoperative knot tying, thereby reducing procedure time while ensuring proper tension distribution.
2Strength
If traditional sutures are used, then the equipment is simple, but the strength of the repair is limited by the knot strength which may be significantly lower than the tensile strength of the suture material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the knot element from the system entirely by using a pre-formed loop configuration that engages directly with the bone anchor. This eliminates the weak link of the knot while preserving the full tensile strength of the suture material, as the load is transferred directly through the suture body rather than through a potential failure point at a knot.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameter of the suture from a continuous strand requiring knot formation to a pre-formed loop configuration. This parameter change allows the suture to maintain its full material strength by distributing loads through the loop structure and direct anchor engagement, rather than concentrating stress at a knot interface.
3Productivity
If a preformed loop suture is used, then the procedure time is reduced, but the loop may relax and allow suture to translate back through the passage, relieving the desired tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the suture loop is contained within a retention feature of the bone anchor. The retention feature creates a nested configuration that physically prevents the suture loop from slipping back through the passage, maintaining the desired tension state while allowing for quick deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone anchor serves as an intermediary mechanism between the suture loop and the bone. The retention feature of the anchor acts as a mediator that secures the loop in place, preventing relaxation and translation of the suture while allowing the overall system to be implanted quickly without complex knot tying.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. A bone engaging fastener is coupled to bone. A second fastener is coupled to a suture construction. The second fastener is coupled to the first fastener. Soft tissue is coupled to the suture construction.