Anchor-Suture Implant Assembly for Stable Thumb Joint Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trapeziectomy methods for treating degenerative osteoarthritis of the first carpal-metacarpal joint are lengthy, require extensive incisions, and have complications such as subsidence and pin tract issues, necessitating a simpler and less invasive surgical procedure for joint reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
A surgical implant assembly comprising first and second anchor bodies with interconnected sutures that engage bone surfaces, allowing for tensioning and anchoring through bores, and additional sutures that engage soft tissue, simplifying the surgical procedure and reducing recovery time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional trapeziectomy with tendon grafting is performed, then pain relief is achieved, but surgical time and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs absorbable sutures that temporarily support the joint during healing and then dissolve, eliminating the need for permanent implants and secondary removal surgeries. This reduces surgical time and eliminates long-term hardware complications while maintaining pain relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical procedure is divided into distinct phases: initial stabilization using the anchor-suture construct, followed by gradual loading as healing progresses. This segmented approach allows for simpler initial surgery with staged rehabilitation, reducing overall surgical time while maintaining effective pain relief.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional trapeziectomy with extensive pinning is performed, then joint stability is achieved, but number of incisions and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated construct: the anchor bodies provide fixation, the sutures provide tension and stabilization, and the overlapping configuration provides redundancy. This merged approach achieves joint stability through one surgical approach rather than multiple separate incisions and pin placements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sutures act as intermediaries that transfer and distribute forces across the joint without requiring direct bone-to-bone contact or multiple pins. This intermediary mechanism achieves joint stability while minimizing the number of incisions and hardware components needed.
3Reliability
If traditional trapeziectomy is performed, then pain relief is achieved, but recovery time and rehabilitation duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbable sutures are pre-configured to provide immediate post-operative support and gradually lose strength as healing progresses. This preliminary action during the critical early healing phase accelerates recovery by providing structured support without requiring extended protective measures or prolonged rehabilitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture construct transitions dynamically from providing full support immediately after surgery to gradually reducing support as healing progresses. This dynamic behavior mimics natural healing patterns and allows for accelerated rehabilitation compared to rigid, permanent fixation methods.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sutures and anchors are used for joint reconstruction, then ligament reconstruction and function restoration are achieved, but surgical technique complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor-suture construct is designed to perform multiple functions: initial fixation, ligament reconstruction, and progressive load-bearing as healing occurs. This universal construct eliminates the need for separate procedures or specialized techniques for each function, simplifying the overall surgical approach while maintaining comprehensive ligament reconstruction capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical implant assembly comprising: first and second anchor bodies adapted to engage respective bone surfaces; a primary suture having a suture length extending between first and second terminal segments of the primary suture, the suture length of the primary suture further comprising: a first suture segment that passes through the first anchor body; and a second suture segment passing through the second anchor body with a bridging segment of the primary suture extending between the first and second suture segments of the primary suture wherein the first suture segment of the primary suture lies in between the bridging segment and the first terminal segment of the primary suture and wherein the second suture segment of the primary suture lies in between the bridging segment and the second terminal segment of the primary suture; a secondary suture having a suture length extending between first and second terminal segments of the secondary suture, the suture length of the secondary suture further comprising: a first suture segment that passes through the first anchor body; and a second suture segment passing through the second anchor body with a bridging segment of the secondary suture extending between the first and second suture segments of the primary suture wherein the first suture segment of the secondary suture lies in between the bridging segment and the first terminal segment of the secondary suture and wherein the second suture segment of the secondary suture lies in between the bridging segment and the second terminal segment of the secondary suture; and wherein during use, the bridging segment of the primary suture is adapted to overlap with the bridging segment of the secondary suture.