Adjustable Suture Fracture Fixation for Bone Fragment Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fracture fixation methods face challenges in applying consistent compressive forces between bone fragments, particularly in accommodating variations in bone sizes, shapes, and fracture locations, which can impede effective healing and immobilization.

Innovation Solution

The method involves aligning bone fragments, forming bores through them, inserting pins to span voids, and using a self-locking, adjustable suture construct coupled to the pins to apply compressive forces by tensioning anchors, allowing for adjustable compression and immobilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fracture fixation methods are used, then bone fragments can be immobilized, but consistent compressive forces cannot be applied across variations in bone sizes, shapes, and fracture locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to bone variationsVSAvoidconsistent compression

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The suture construct incorporates an adjustable loop mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of compression force. The loop can be tightened or loosened to accommodate variations in bone size, shape, and fracture location while maintaining reliable compressive forces. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction between adaptability and consistent compression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation apparatus allows changing of compression parameters through adjustable sutures and tensioning mechanisms. By modifying the tension applied to the suture construct, the system can adapt to different bone geometries and fracture configurations while maintaining optimal compressive forces for healing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid fixation devices are used to immobilize bone fragments, then stability is achieved, but adaptability to different bone anatomies is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmobilization stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to bone anatomy

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The suture construct uses flexible suture material instead of rigid fixation devices. The flexible sutures can conform to different bone anatomies and fracture configurations while still providing sufficient immobilization stability. This flexibility resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable loop mechanism allows the fixation device to adapt dynamically to different bone geometries. The suture can be tensioned to the appropriate degree for each specific case, providing both stability and adaptability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pins and anchors are used to achieve customizable compression, then adaptability increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizable compressionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suture construct integrates multiple functions into a single component: the suture itself provides both the anchoring mechanism and the compression force application. The loop mechanism combines adjustment capability with force transmission, reducing the need for separate pins and anchors while maintaining customizable compression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The suture construct serves multiple purposes: it immobilizes bone fragments, applies compressive forces, and allows adjustment for different anatomies. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate specialized components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables efficient alignment and immobilization of bone fragments, facilitating healing by applying customizable compressive forces that can adapt to different bone anatomies and fracture configurations, thereby enhancing the stability and effectiveness of fracture fixation.

Implementation Method 1

compressing the first bone portion and the second bone portion between a first anchor and a second anchor coupled to the suture construct by tensioning the suture construct

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS9538998B2Method and apparatus for fracture fixation

Publication Date: 2017.01.10 BIOMET SPORTS MEDICINE LLC

AI summary

A method for supporting a first bone portion relative to a second bone portion can include: (a) aligning the first bone portion relative to the second bone portion, (b) forming a bore extending through the first bone portion and the second bone portion through a void defined by opposing surfaces of the first and second bone portions after the aligning of the first bone portion with the second bone portion, (c) disposing a pin in the bore to span the void, wherein the pin includes a coupler, (d) drawing a self-locking, adjustable suture construct coupled to the coupler through the bore by withdrawing the pin from the bore, and (e) compressing the first bone portion and the second bone portion between a first anchor and a second anchor coupled to the suture construct by tensioning the suture construct.