Adjustable Suture Loop Fixation for Graft Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixation devices for graft placement and ligament suspension are non-adjustable, causing additional trauma to surrounding tissue and bone, and are unable to effectively withstand pullout forces during the healing process.
Innovation Solution
A fixation device comprising a strand of suture with splices that form adjustable loops, allowing for tensioning to secure a graft or ligament in place without collapsing, and an optional button for additional support, enabling adjustable tension and secure attachment to a bone tunnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If interference screws are used to secure the graft ligament, then the graft ligament can withstand pullout forces, but additional trauma is caused to the surrounding tissue and bone
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful interference screw component and replaces it with a suture-based fixation system that achieves pullout resistance through tensioning and looping mechanisms rather than compressive interference, thereby eliminating the trauma to surrounding tissue and bone while maintaining graft security
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical interference screw system with a flexible suture system that uses tensioning, looping, and friction-based fixation mechanisms to achieve the same pullout resistance function without the harmful compressive forces applied by interference screws
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-adjustable fixation devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different graft sizes and cannot effectively withstand pullout forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustability to the fixation device through movable loops and tensioning mechanisms that allow the device to adapt to different graft sizes and configurations. The loops can be adjusted in position and tension to match the specific requirements of each graft while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables parameter changes in the fixation device by allowing adjustment of loop positions, tension levels, and configuration settings. These parameter changes allow the same basic device structure to adapt to different graft sizes and pullout force requirements without requiring multiple specialized devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable loops are introduced to accommodate different graft sizes, then adaptability improves, but the loops may collapse under tension during the healing process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the loops with specific geometries and tensioning mechanisms that maintain structural integrity before loading. The loops are designed with inherent stability features that prevent collapse during the healing process while still allowing initial adjustment for different graft sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes composite material properties by combining flexible suture material with rigid fixation elements and tensioning mechanisms. This composite approach allows the loops to be flexible enough for adjustment but rigid enough to maintain stability under tension during healing, preventing collapse while preserving adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A fixation device for graft placement and ligament suspension. The fixation device includes a strand of suture having a first limb and a second limb with a midpoint therebetween. The suture includes a first splice in the first limb and a second splice in the second limb. A first free end of the first limb extends through the second splice, forming a first loop with a diameter. A second free end of the second limb extends through the first splice, forming a second loop with a diameter. Tensioning the first free end reduces the diameter of the first loop and tensioning the second free end reduces the diameter of the second loop. The fixation device may include a button having the first and second limbs of suture woven therethrough such that the first and second free ends extend proximally from the button and the loops extend distally from the button.