Biodegradable Scaffold Repair for Torn ACL and Tendon Healing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Intra-articular tissues such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and articular cartilage do not heal after rupture due to the absence of a fibrin clot formation within synovial joints, leading to joint arthrosis and stiffness, and current treatments like ACL reconstruction cause further damage and result in osteoarthritis.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising multiple biodegradable scaffolds positioned on a containment device, such as a suture, is used to repair injured ligaments or tendons without connecting end to end, enhancing healing by maintaining the integrity of the ligament and promoting vascularization without damaging the insertion sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ACL reconstruction with tendon graft is performed, then gross stability is restored, but proprioceptive nerve fibers are damaged and osteoarthritis develops
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses multiple small scaffold pieces (2-200 individual scaffolds) distributed throughout the ligament repair site rather than a single continuous graft. This segmentation allows the repair to maintain stability while preserving the native ligament structure and proprioceptive fibers that would otherwise be damaged by complete ligament removal and graft replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The biodegradable scaffolds act as intermediaries that provide structural support and promote healing without requiring complete removal of the native ligament. The scaffolds temporarily replace the ligament function during healing, then degrade naturally, preserving proprioceptive nerve fibers while restoring stability.
2Reliability
If multiple small scaffolds are used, then ligament healing is promoted, but tensile load support capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple individual scaffolds (2-200 pieces) into a collective structure that distributes and shares the tensile load across numerous small units. While each individual scaffold is small, their combined effect provides sufficient tensile strength to support ligament healing without requiring a single large graft that would damage proprioceptive fibers.
3Strength
If a single continuous scaffold is used, then tensile load is supported, but fibrin clot formation is prevented and healing is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the scaffold into multiple small discrete pieces rather than using a single continuous structure, the invention allows synovial fluid to access the repair site between the scaffold pieces. This enables natural fibrin clot formation and the body's healing processes to occur, while the collective scaffold structure still provides necessary tensile support.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method facilitates ligament healing by providing a network for cell migration and scar formation, maintaining ligament structure, and preventing osteoarthritis, while avoiding the need for tendon grafts and minimizing damage to proprioceptive fibers.
Implementation Method 1
providing a network for cell migration and scar formation
Implementation Method 2
The scaffolds are compressible expandable scaffolds
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3D
Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
Methods and devices for the repair of a torn or injured ligament or tendon are provided. The methods include the use of multiple scaffolds, e.g., beads. The multiple scaffolds may be positioned along a suture or other device such that they are moveable with respect to one another or the injured tissue.