Composite Anchor Segmentation for Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Arthroscopic suture anchors made from absorbable materials fail to securely hold tissue to bone during degradation and lack sufficient surface contact for effective torque application, requiring additional procedural steps like creating a hole in the bone for insertion.
Innovation Solution
A composite anchor with a cannulated proximal portion and a distal portion, where the proximal portion is made of absorbable material and the distal portion is made of non-absorbable material, allowing for improved torque application and secure tissue fixation without pre-drilling the bone, using a threaded outer surface and conical shape for easier insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an absorbable material is used for the anchor, then the anchor can be absorbed by the body over time, but the tissue cannot be held securely against the bone during degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is divided into two distinct portions: a proximal portion made of absorbable material that degrades over time, and a distal portion made of non-absorbable material that provides permanent structural support. This segmentation allows the anchor to transition from temporary support during insertion to permanent fixation as the absorbable portion degrades, maintaining tissue fixation reliability throughout the degradation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor combines two different materials with complementary properties: absorbable material (such as polymer or composite) for the proximal portion and non-absorbable material (such as metal or non-degradable polymer) for the distal portion. This composite construction enables the anchor to provide immediate structural support while allowing controlled degradation of the absorbable portion, ensuring continuous tissue fixation throughout the healing period.
2Ease of operation
If absorbable material is used for the anchor, then the anchor can be absorbed by the body, but insufficient surface contact is provided for applying high torque
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is segmented into a proximal portion with a threaded outer surface for torque application and a distal portion for bone engagement. The proximal portion's threaded design provides extensive surface contact area with the insertion device, enabling high torque application while the segmented structure ensures this functional area is optimized independently from the bone-contacting distal portion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the anchor are designed with different surface characteristics optimized for their specific functions: the proximal portion features a threaded outer surface with high surface area for torque transmission, while the distal portion has a conical shape with reduced surface area for efficient bone penetration. This local quality differentiation allows each section to perform its function optimally without compromising the other.
3Productivity
If a one-piece anchor design is used, then the structure is simple, but insufficient surface contact is provided for torque application requiring pre-drilling
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is segmented into proximal and distal portions that can be inserted as a single unit through a cannulated channel. This segmentation allows the proximal portion to engage with the insertion device for torque application while the distal portion engages with the bone, eliminating the need for pre-drilling and improving procedural efficiency without requiring complex assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal portion is designed to fit within the cannulated channel of the proximal portion, creating a nested structure that allows the anchor to be inserted as a single integrated unit. This nesting arrangement simplifies the insertion process by eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining sufficient surface contact for torque application through the threaded proximal portion.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a composite anchor. The anchor includes a cannulated proximal portion having a threaded outer surface and a distal portion coupled to the proximal portion, the distal portion including a top portion, a bottom portion, and a through hole, wherein the top portion is configured to be disposed within the cannulation of the proximal portion.