Adjustable Telescopic Joint Stabilisation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synthetic joint stabilisation devices for acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations, such as the LockDown™ AC Device, have a fixed length, requiring a range of devices and complex measurement procedures, which complicates implantation and limits flexibility during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A synthetic joint stabilisation device with elongate portions and an integral eye, made partly of woven material, allowing for adjustable loop formation and secure fixation to bones, enabling variable length selection during implantation and simplifying the surgical process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed length synthetic joint stabilisation device is used, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the device cannot be adjusted to suit individual patient anatomy and requires multiple device sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a telescopic mechanism with movable inner portions relative to outer portions, allowing the effective length to be dynamically adjusted during implantation. This dynamic structure enables a single device to adapt to various patient anatomies while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilisation device is divided into multiple separable segments or portions that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows the device to be configured in different lengths by extending or retracting specific segments, providing versatility without requiring multiple complete device variants.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed length device is used, then manufacturing and inventory management is simplified, but additional measurement equipment and procedures are required during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic device allows the surgeon to self-adjust the length during implantation by extending or retracting segments to match the measured anatomical distance. This self-adjustment capability eliminates the need for pre-selected fixed-size devices and reduces dependency on complex measurement protocols, streamlining the surgical workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
A single telescopic device design can serve multiple patient sizes and anatomical variations, replacing the need for multiple fixed-length device variants. This universal design simplifies inventory management and reduces the complexity of device selection while maintaining the ability to accommodate diverse patient requirements.
3Reliability
If multiple fixed length devices are provided to cover different patient needs, then each device can be optimised for its specific length, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a telescopic mechanism with locked positions that provide stable, reliable fixation at various lengths. The dynamic adjustment capability allows the same device structure to achieve reliable stabilisation across a range of configurations, maintaining effectiveness without requiring multiple specialised device variants.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a synthetic joint stabilisation device (10) and associated assembly, the device having a particular use in a method of stabilising a dislocated acromioclavicular joint. The joint stabilisation device (10) comprises a first elongate portion (22) forming a first free end (24); a second elongate portion (26) forming a second free end (28) which is opposite the first free end; and an integral eye (30) provided at a location which is between the first and second free ends, the eye serving for securing the device to a bone (19) of a patient. The device (10) is at least partly tubular so as to define an internal cavity (32), said part, of the device being of a woven material. One of the first and second elongate portions (22, 26) extends into the internal cavity (32) through a wall (34) of the other one of the first and second elongate portions at a first location (36) along a length of said other portion, and then extends out of the internal cavity at a second location (38) which is spaced along a length of said other portion from the first location, to thereby form a loop (40) which defines the eye.