Flexible Anchor Tube Suture Layout for Compact Tissue Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implant systems for plantar plate repair are bulky, complex, and require multiple large through holes, weakening the construct, and existing implant systems for tissue repair are not compact or maneuverable, and existing implant systems for tissue repair are not maneuverable or require multiple large through holes.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible implant system comprising flexible anchor tubes and sutures that allow for compact, maneuverable repair of soft tissue to soft tissue, soft tissue to bone, and bone to bone connections without requiring multiple large through holes, using a suture pattern that prevents one anchor tube from translating along the suture while allowing the other to translate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current implant systems are used for plantar plate repair, then the tissue can be joined, but the system becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The implant system is divided into separate functional components: a first anchor tube for initial placement, a second anchor tube for reinforcement, and a suture member for tensioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while reducing overall system complexity compared to monolithic implant designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The second anchor tube is positioned within or adjacent to the first anchor tube, creating a nested configuration. This nesting approach reduces the overall bulk of the implant system while maintaining the strength and reliability of tissue joining through multiple anchored points.
2Reliability
If multiple large through holes are formed per tissue connection, then the tissue can be securely joined, but the construct is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor tubes function as flexible yet structurally sound conduits that can be inserted through tissue with minimal damage. The suture member passes through these tubes rather than requiring multiple large holes in the tissue itself, preserving tissue integrity while achieving secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor tubes serve as intermediary structures that facilitate suture passage through tissue. Instead of threading suture directly through multiple large holes in the plantar plate, the anchor tubes provide protected pathways, reducing tissue weakness while maintaining connection security.
3Reliability
If existing implant systems are used for tissue repair, then repair can be achieved, but the system is not compact or maneuverable
Solution Approach 1:
The suture member is configured to allow relative movement between the first and second anchor tubes during the repair process. The suture can be tensioned to draw the anchor tubes together, and the anchor tubes can be maneuvered independently before final securing, providing ease of operation in confined surgical spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture member extends through the anchor tubes in a three-dimensional pattern that allows manipulation from multiple angles. This dimensional approach enables the surgeon to access and tension the suture from various directions, improving maneuverability during implantation while maintaining reliable repair.
Data Source
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AI summary
Implant systems and related methods for joining bone and/or tissue portions is disclosed. The implant systems include a first flexible anchor tube comprising a first annular side wall defining a first internal cavity, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, and a second flexible anchor tube comprising a second annular side wall defining a second internal cavity, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. The implant systems also comprise at least one suture that passes through the first and second side walls a plurality of times. The at least one suture extends along a pattern that prevents the second anchor tube from translating along the at least one suture and allows the first anchor tube to translate along the at least one suture toward the second anchor tube when first and second end portions of the at least one suture are tensioned.