Angled-Leg Anchor for Soft Tissue to Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fixing soft tissue to bone in orthopedic surgery are time-consuming and complex, often requiring specialized surgeons and result in a repair that degrades with subsequent loading and mobilization, leading to a need for a more efficient and durable solution.
Innovation Solution
A soft tissue repair device with an anchor member having a base and multiple legs that extend at an angled orientation, coupled with a flexible member to securely attach soft tissue to bone, eliminating the need for complex suture patterns and enhancing the long-term effectiveness of the repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional suture methods are used to fixate soft tissue to bone, then the repair can be performed with standard equipment, but the surgery becomes time-consuming and complex requiring specialized surgeons
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the soft tissue attachment function into multiple legs (at least four) that independently engage the soft tissue, allowing the complex suture function to be divided into simpler mechanical engagement points that are easier to implant and less time-consuming
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor member with multiple legs acts as an intermediary device between the soft tissue and bone, replacing the complex suture-to-tissue coupling process with a direct mechanical anchoring system that simplifies the surgical procedure
2Strength
If complex suture patterns are used to achieve effective soft tissue fixation, then adequate initial repair strength can be obtained, but the procedure requires specialized surgeons and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex suture pattern is replaced by segmenting the anchoring function into multiple discrete legs that independently engage the soft tissue, distributing the load across multiple points and achieving effective fixation without complex continuous suture patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple legs of the anchor member self-engage the soft tissue through their geometry and orientation, eliminating the need for complex manual suture tying and knotting by specialized surgeons, as the structure itself provides the fixation mechanism
3Strength
If traditional suture coupling methods are used, then soft tissue can be attached to bone anchor, but the repair strength degrades quickly with subsequent loading and mobilization
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic adaptability through the angled legs (25-65 degrees relative to base) that can flex and adjust to physiological loading conditions, allowing the repair to maintain strength during mobilization and activity rather than degrading under load
Solution Approach 2:
The leg angle parameter (25-65 degrees) is optimized to change the mechanical properties of the attachment, providing both initial fixation strength and long-term durability by accommodating the range of motion and loading conditions that would otherwise cause suture degradation
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and/or methods for repairing soft tissue adjacent a soft tissue repair site. In one embodiment, the repair device includes an anchor member having a base with at least four legs extending from the base. The base extends with a generally flat circular profile defining an upper surface and an underside surface with a central opening extending therethrough. Further, the at least four legs extend from the base with an elongated angled portion, the elongated angled portion being oriented at an angle less than seventy-five degrees relative to the underside surface of the base. With this arrangement, the anchor member may be fixated to soft tissue by rotating the base with a delivery tool so that the elongated angled portion of the at least four legs facilitates the anchor member sinking into the soft tissue and fixating thereto.