Asymmetric Fixation Button for ACL Tissue Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fixation buttons used in ACL reconstruction risk inadvertently capturing or irritating tissue, and their complex loop connections complicate surgical procedures, leading to improper seating and potential tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
Designing fixation buttons with an offset leading edge and a wider profile to prevent passage through soft tissue, and using an open loop configuration that simplifies suture management by eliminating the need for secondary fixed loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixation buttons are pulled through bone tunnel and flipped to fixate on lateral cortex, then graft fixation is achieved, but tissue may be inadvertently captured or irritated resulting in improper seating and potential tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The button is designed with an asymmetric geometry featuring a rounded leading edge and a tapered trailing edge. This asymmetric shape allows the button to pass through soft tissue more easily in one direction while preventing it from being pulled back through, thereby reducing tissue irritation and ensuring proper seating against the lateral cortex.
Solution Approach 2:
The button design incorporates a pre-configured geometry that predisposes it to seat correctly against the lateral cortex. The rounded leading edge and tapered trailing edge are designed in advance to guide the button through the bone tunnel and soft tissue, ensuring it stops at the correct position without requiring additional manipulation or risking improper seating.
2Reliability
If complex loop connections are used for suture fixation, then secure attachment is achieved, but surgical procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complexity of secondary fixed loops from the surgical procedure. By designing the button with an integrated asymmetric geometry that naturally guides and secures the suture, the need for additional fixed loops and complex suture manipulation is eliminated, while maintaining secure suture attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The button design performs the function of both passage and fixation automatically. The asymmetric geometry with rounded leading edge and tapered trailing edge causes the button to self-guide through the bone tunnel and soft tissue, and self-seat against the lateral cortex, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation or additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
A device configured for use during a surgical procedure. The device can optionally include any one or combination of a first foot and a spine. The first foot can form at least a first edge at a first longitudinal end of the device. The first foot can be configured to seat the device on a tissue of a patient. The spine can be connected to the first foot and can have a longitudinal length extending from first foot toward a second longitudinal end of the device. The spine can include an eyelet adjacent to but offset from the first foot.