Figure-8 Bone-Tendon-Bone Suture Button Construct
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ligament reconstruction techniques, such as ACL reconstruction, face challenges in achieving reproducible and secure graft fixation, particularly in providing consistent strength and protection during the insertion process.
Innovation Solution
A reconstruction system featuring a fixation device with a closed loop of flexible material, forming a figure-8 construct with a joined region, which is attached to a bone block of a BTB graft, allowing for reproducible placement and secure fixation by passing the distal loop through the bone block and cinching over the joined region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a button/loop construct is used for graft fixation, then the fixation strength is improved, but the insertion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loop is pre-formed with a figure-8 configuration and the joined region is prepared in advance, allowing the surgeon to simply pass the construct through the bone tunnel and cinch it without complex manipulation during surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The loop is divided into distinct proximal and distal sections with a joined region, allowing independent manipulation of each section during insertion while maintaining overall structural integrity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the loop is made tight to secure the graft, then the graft protection is improved, but the risk of constriction under tension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joined region is specifically positioned and constructed to provide localized reinforcement at the critical point where the loop passes through the bone tunnel, distributing tension and preventing constriction while maintaining graft protection
Solution Approach 2:
The loop construct combines different material properties - the flexible loop material provides elasticity and protection, while the joined region provides structural reinforcement and tension distribution
3Ease of operation
If a traditional interference screw fixation is used, then the insertion process is simplified, but the reproducible graft attachment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The figure-8 loop configuration and joined region are pre-prepared with precise dimensions and geometry, ensuring consistent graft attachment across all procedures while maintaining simple insertion through the bone tunnel
Solution Approach 2:
The loop construct uses specific geometric parameters (figure-8 configuration, joined region positioning) that provide both reproducible attachment characteristics and simple insertion mechanics
Data Source
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AI summary
A continuous loop and button construct for ligament repair and fixation, including bone to bone, or soft tissue to bone. The continuous loop, which is attached to the button, is formed of a flexible material and is provided with at least one joined region (a bridged, stitched, bonded or knotted region) to form a closed loop figure-8 construct with proximal and distal openings with respect to the fixation device. The figure-8 construct (either bridged, stitched, bonded or knotted) is adapted for attachment to a bone block of a BTB graft, for example, and used for ligament reconstruction.