Adjustable Tether System for Joint Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reconstructive surgeries for joint repair, such as syndemosis screw fixation, often cause bone damage and require subsequent hardware removal, which can be invasive and weaken the bone structure.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable tether system with a pre-tied slideable locking knot is used to maintain tension between bolster devices, allowing for adjustable length reduction and secure positioning of bone plates without the need for drilling and screw implantation, thereby minimizing bone damage and eliminating the need for hardware removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If syndemosis screw fixation is used to repair distal tibiofibular joint injuries, then joint stability is restored, but bone damage occurs and bone strength is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tension-maintaining function from traditional screw fixation and transfers it to a soft tissue tether system. The tether is passed through bone tunnels and secured with knots, eliminating the need for metal screws that damage bone. This extracts the harmful drilling and screw insertion operations while preserving the joint stabilization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical screw fixation system with a soft tissue-based tether system. Instead of using rigid metal screws that require drilling holes in bone, the system uses a flexible tether that can be passed through bone tunnels and secured with knots, substituting a less invasive mechanical approach that maintains tension without compromising bone integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hardware is used for joint repair, then joint stability is achieved, but subsequent hardware removal is required which involves additional invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a temporary soft tissue tether that serves its function during the healing period and then can be removed or allowed to degrade. The tether acts as a temporary fixation device that maintains joint stability during bone healing, after which it is no longer needed and can be removed through a simpler procedure or allowed to absorb, eliminating the need for permanent metal hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether system is designed to be temporary and removable. After serving its purpose of maintaining joint stability during the critical healing period, the tether can be removed through a minimally invasive procedure. The system embraces the temporary nature of the fixation device, discarding it after its useful life rather than requiring permanent implantation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fixation screws are driven into bone, then joint integrity is restored, but bone damage and weakening occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tension-maintaining function from traditional screw fixation and transfers it to a soft tissue tether system. The tether is passed through bone tunnels and secured with knots, eliminating the need for metal screws that damage bone. This extracts the harmful drilling and screw insertion operations while preserving the joint stabilization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft tissue tether acts as an intermediary between the bone structures, maintaining tension and stability without requiring direct metal-to-bone fixation. The tether mediates the mechanical loads between the tibia and fibula, distributing forces through soft tissue rather than concentrating stress at drill hole sites, thereby reducing bone damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A bolster system having a first bolster device, a second bolster device, and an adjustable tether that includes a one-way pre-tied slideable adjustment knot. The adjustment knot is at a first position prior to insertion of the first bolster device into a passageway in one or more bones. The second bolster device includes a body portion having an outer portion that is sized to be received in the passageway and/or in an aperture of a bone plate. The body portion also includes a channel that is sized to accommodate recessed and/or embedded placement of the pre-tied slideable adjustment knot. The second bolster device can also include an oversized plate portion that abuts against a cortex of a bone or a wall of a bone plate. The second bolster device can also include a threaded member or retention tab that lockingly secures the second bolster device to a bone plate.