Knotless Button-Suture Tension Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone suspension devices, such as button-suture assemblies, experience loss of tension after the knot is tied, leading to inefficient placement during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a button-suture assembly with a baseplate and a locking pin mechanism that automatically locks when tension is released, using pinch points to maximize tensile strength and minimize stress on the suture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a knot is tied to hold the suture tight, then the bone fragments can be secured, but tension is lost as the knot is completed and the tying mechanisms release their grip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the knot-tying operation from the tensioning process by using a separate locking mechanism (locking element with locking surface) that independently secures the suture after tensioning. This allows the tensioning function to be performed separately from the locking function, eliminating tension loss associated with knot completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a locking element as an intermediary component between the suture and the bone fragment. This locking element features a locking surface that interfaces with the suture, providing a mechanical locking action that maintains tension without requiring knot manipulation. The intermediary component transfers and secures the tension force.
2Ease of operation
If existing knotless systems are used to improve ease of use, then the construction process is simplified, but the strength of the construct or its stability is sacrificed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved locking surface on the locking element that conforms to the suture geometry. This curved surface distributes the locking force more evenly across the suture, increasing the contact area and improving both the strength of the construct and its stability while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a combination of suture material and locking element material properties to achieve both ease of use and high strength. The locking element is designed with specific material characteristics that complement the suture, creating a composite system that maximizes both operational ease and mechanical strength.
3Ease of operation
If existing knotless systems are used to improve ease of use, then the locking process is simplified, but the stability of the construct is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the locking element as a single-use, disposable component that is discarded after a single locking action. This ensures that the locking mechanism maintains its full mechanical integrity and locking capability without the degradation or wear that would occur with reusable systems, thereby preventing tension loss while keeping the system simple and easy to use.
Data Source
AI summary
Button-suture assemblies which employ a knotted locking mechanism do not maintain tension when securing bone and tissue fragments. A knotless method and device for maintaining tension and providing precise placement of a button-suture assembly during stabilization procedures comprising a locking pin, which mates with a button creating pinch points with increased surface area through which suture can pass from a baseplate through two dedicated openings in the button, one for the first end of the suture and one for the second end of the suture while preventing tension loss during the locking step and therefore allowing for precise placement of the button-suture assembly.