Bone Anchor Suture Retention via Intermediate Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone anchor systems for stabilizing cruciate deficient knees in animals, such as dogs, face issues with premature suture wear, the need for expensive tensioning assemblies, inconsistent results, and weak points at knots or crimps, due to non-continuous sutures and contact with bones.
Innovation Solution
A bone anchor design featuring a head with a larger diameter than an intermediate section, allowing a suture to be retained without knots or crimps, with a self-tapping threaded section and a stop to prevent over-screwing and suture wear, using a continuous loop suture that can be tensioned by rotating the anchor, eliminating the need for separate tensioning assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suture is tensioned and tied off or crimped in traditional bone anchor systems, then the suture can be secured to the bone anchor, but the suture wears prematurely at the site of the crimp or knot, leading to failure of the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the harmful elements of knots and crimps from the suture retention system. By using a simple loop configuration that passes through the aperture and around the intermediate section, the design removes the stress concentration points that cause premature suture wear and failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone anchor features an intermediate section with specific local geometric properties (smaller diameter than the head, smooth surface) that are optimized for suture interaction. This local quality difference creates a natural retention mechanism without requiring knots or crimps, reducing wear at critical points.
2Reliability
If expensive tensioning and crimping assemblies are used in traditional bone anchor systems, then the suture can be tensioned and secured, but the cost of the procedure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchor design enables self-tensioning through the natural mechanics of screwing the anchor into the bone. As the anchor is driven in, the loop configuration automatically tensions the suture without requiring external tensioning devices, making the procedure simpler and more cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the need for expensive separate tensioning and crimping assemblies by integrating the tensioning function into the basic screwing operation itself. The simplified design eliminates multiple specialized components and reduces procedural complexity.
3Reliability
If a suture is attached to the bone anchor in traditional systems, then the suture can secure the bones, but the suture becomes worn due to contact with the bone
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate section of the bone anchor serves as an intermediary element between the suture and the bone. By positioning the suture loop around this intermediate section rather than allowing direct contact with the bone surface, the design protects the suture from abrasive wear while maintaining effective bone fixation.
4Reliability
If knots or crimps are used to secure the suture in traditional bone anchor systems, then the suture can be retained on the bone anchor, but the junction created by the knot or crimp becomes the weak point in the fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely removes knots and crimps from the system, eliminating the weak points they create. The loop configuration around the intermediate section distributes stress evenly along the suture length without creating stress concentration points, resulting in stronger overall fixation.
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
This design provides a stable, precise, and cost-effective method to limit bone separation, reducing suture wear and ensuring consistent results by using a continuous loop suture that can be easily tensioned, thus enhancing the durability and reliability of the bone anchor system.
Implementation Method 1
a shaft extending from the head to a tip, the shaft comprising a threaded section
Data Source
AI summary
A bone anchor for limiting the separation of two bones, for example in a canine knee, comprises a head having a socket for engaging a tool and a shaft extending from the head to a tip. The shaft comprises a threaded section, an intermediate section located between the head and the threaded section and an aperture extending through the intermediate section. The head has a larger diameter than the intermediate section. Also disclosed is a kit of parts comprising two bone anchors and a looped suture and a method for limiting the separation of two parts.