Bone Anchoring Assembly With Rotatable Insert to Prevent Suture Twisting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone anchors cause suture threads to twist during rotation, complicating surgical procedures and prolonging surgery time due to the need for careful threading before installation.
Innovation Solution
A bone anchoring assembly with a rotatable insert that allows suture threads to freely rotate relative to the bone anchor, utilizing snap coupling means such as radial nubs and a circumferential groove for secure attachment without protrusion, enabling easy assembly and preventing extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the suture threads are attached to the bone anchor before installation, then the anchor can be firmly secured to the bone, but the suture threads twist during rotation of the anchor
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchoring assembly is divided into two independent rotational segments: the bone anchor that rotates during installation, and the insert containing the suture threads that remains stationary relative to the suture orientation. This segmentation allows the anchor to rotate for secure bone engagement while the suture threads maintain their original orientation without twisting.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert acts as an intermediary component between the bone anchor and the suture threads. It provides a coupling interface that allows the anchor to rotate relative to the suture threads, mediating the rotational motion so that the suture threads are not subjected to twisting forces during anchor installation.
2Shape
If the suture threads are threaded through eyelets before anchor installation, then the eyelets can remain flush with bone surface, but the surgery time is unnecessarily lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The suture threads are pre-attached to the insert during manufacturing rather than being threaded through eyelets during surgery. This preliminary action eliminates the time-consuming step of threading sutures through eyelets in the operating room, while still achieving the desired flush configuration of the eyelets with the bone surface.
3Strength
If the anchor rotates during installation, then the anchor can be securely anchored to the bone, but the attached suture threads twist and complicate the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the rotational function from the suture-holding function. The bone anchor performs the rotation for securement, while the insert with eyelets and suture threads remains rotationally independent, maintaining procedural simplicity despite the anchor's rotational installation.
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
Facilitates smooth surgical procedures by allowing free rotation of suture threads, reducing twisting and shortening surgery time while maintaining a stable and firm coupling with the bone.
Implementation Method 1
The bone anchor and the insert comprise snap coupling means suitable for retaining the insert in the seat and for allowing the free rotation of the insert in the seat around its own longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations of a bone anchoring assembly comprise a bone anchor and an insert. The bone anchor comprises a proximal end, a distal end, an outer profile suitable for defining a firm and stable coupling with the bone tissue, and a seat open at the proximal end, in which the seat defines an axis. The insert defines an axis that is suitable for being received in the seat of the bone anchor and comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and one or more eyelets placed at the proximal end. Moreover, the seat and the insert comprise snap coupling means suitable for axially retaining the insert in the seat and suitable for allowing the free rotation of the insert in the seat around the axis of the insert.