Bioabsorbable Suture Anchor with Recessed Closed Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture anchors face issues with suture detachment due to structural failures, abrasion from bone canal walls, and rapid degradation of biodegradable eyelets, leading to premature detachment and increased risk of anchor 'pull back' and tissue abrasion.
Innovation Solution
A fully-threaded bioabsorbable suture anchor with a closed loop formed by a flexible strand, which is recessed within the anchor body to prevent exposure and abrasion, and a knot coated with glue for enhanced pullout strength, eliminating the need for countersinking and reducing the risk of anchor 'pull back'.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an eyelet extends from the proximal end of the anchor body, then suture can be attached to the anchor, but the eyelet requires countersinking to avoid tissue abrasion and may degrade rapidly causing premature detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The suture loop is nested within the anchor body's proximal end, specifically within a recess or cavity formed in the anchor body. This nesting configuration protects the suture loop from external abrasion by bone surfaces while maintaining secure suture attachment, eliminating the need for countersinking and preventing the degradation issues associated with external eyelets
2Ease of manufacture
If the anchor body is inserted into a pre-drilled hole, then installation is simplified, but the suture is exposed to abrasion by sharp or rough areas along the bone canal walls
Solution Approach 1:
The suture loop is recessed within the anchor body, creating a protected internal pathway for the suture. This nesting protects the suture from abrasion by bone canal walls during insertion and after implantation, while still allowing the anchor to be installed in a pre-drilled hole without complex procedures
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a bioabsorbable material is used for the anchor body, then the anchor degrades and is absorbed by the body, but the eyelet can degrade rapidly causing the suture to become detached prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The suture loop is nested within a recess in the anchor body, providing mechanical protection that prevents premature detachment even as the bioabsorbable material degrades. This protective nesting maintains suture attachment reliability throughout the absorption period, preventing the rapid degradation issues seen in external eyelet configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The recess or cavity in the anchor body provides a protective environment for the suture loop before and during the degradation process. This pre-established protective structure cushiones the suture against the effects of material degradation, ensuring sustained attachment reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A suture anchor includes an anchor body having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The anchor body includes a central bore located at the proximal end and a passage extending between the central bore and the distal end. The central bore has a first dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the passage has a second dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis less than the first dimension. The suture anchor includes a flexible strand extending through the passage, and a first knot formed in the flexible strand at the distal end has a third dimension greater than the second dimension to prevent the first knot from passing through the passage. A closed loop is positionable at least partially within the central bore and formed entirely by the flexible strand without forming any additional knots on the flexible strand extending proximally from the first knot.