Cannulated Bone Anchor With Non-Cutting Threads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching tissue to bone, such as in ACL reconstruction, often require cutting threads or sharp edges that can damage surrounding tissues, and lack effective means for promoting bone growth and secure fixation.

Innovation Solution

A cannulated anchor with a tapered tip and cylindrical portion having non-cutting threads, combined with a plug that can be inserted to secure tissue within a bone tunnel, facilitating insertion without cutting and promoting bone growth through osteoinductive/conductive materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If cutting threads or sharp edges are used on interference screws, then anchoring capability is improved, but surrounding tissues are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring capabilityVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using cutting threads that remove tissue, the invention uses non-cutting threads that push tissue aside during insertion. The threads are designed with a pushing action rather than a cutting action, inverting the traditional approach to achieve anchoring without tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potential harm of tissue disruption during insertion into a beneficial effect by designing threads that temporarily displace tissue to create space for the implant, then allow tissue to heal around the device. The temporary disruption is converted into long-term secure anchoring without permanent damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If traditional interference screws are used, then tissue attachment is achieved, but bone growth promotion is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue attachmentVSAvoidbone integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor device incorporates a porous structure that allows bone ingrowth through the device walls. This porous architecture provides mechanical interlocking and promotes biological integration, enhancing both the reliability of tissue attachment and the duration of bone integration over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials that combine mechanical strength for immediate tissue attachment with osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties that promote bone growth. This composite approach ensures both secure initial fixation and long-term bone integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If cannulated anchor with plug is used, then secure fixation and bone growth are promoted, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation securityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into two functional components: a cannulated anchor portion that provides fixation and a separate plug that promotes bone growth. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve secure fixation and enhanced bone integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cannulated anchor structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical fixation through its threaded design, allows for plug insertion through the cannulated channel, and promotes bone growth through its porous structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides secure fixation of tissue to bone without cutting into surrounding tissues and enhances bone integration by promoting growth, improving the anchoring process in procedures like ACL reconstruction.

Implementation Method 1

promoting bone growth through osteoinductive/conductive materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOsteoinduction:

Implementation Method 2

promoting bone growth through osteoinductive/conductive materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOsteoconduction:

Implementation Method 3

non-cutting threads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

cannulated anchor with a tapered tip and cylindrical portion having non-cutting threads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking:

Data Source

PatentUS7608098B1Bone fixation device

Publication Date: 2009.10.27 BIOMET MFG LLC

AI summary

A fixation device for securing tissue to a bone. The fixation device includes an anchor having a hollow body defining a longitudinal passage, and a plug configured to be received in at least a portion of the passage.