Cortical Button Rib and Adjustable Loop for Joint Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue fixation systems for joint repair face challenges such as bending cortical buttons, loosening adjustable loop constructs due to loop slip or creep, and requiring extreme forces to reduce the loop construct and position the graft, along with complex assembly and high forces that can damage tissues.
Innovation Solution
The development of a cortical button with a rib extension to increase structural integrity, an adjustable loop construct with a knotlessly locked configuration, and a reduction handle system that manages the assembly and reduction of the loop construct to facilitate easier graft positioning and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a thin cortical button is used to lie flat on bone surface and limit palpability, then patient comfort is improved, but the button bends under fixation loading
Solution Approach 1:
The cortical button is segmented into a body portion and a separate rib portion. The rib portion is configured to engage the bone tunnel and provide structural support, while the body portion lies flat on the bone surface. This segmentation allows the button to maintain both thin profile for comfort and sufficient rigidity through the rib's engagement with the bone tunnel.
2Ease of operation
If adjustable loop construct is made flexible for easy adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but loop slip or creep occurs under loading
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable loop construct incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism that allows the loop to be adjusted during surgery and then locked in place. The loop can transition between an adjustable state during operation and a locked state during fixation, providing both ease of adjustment and stability under loading.
3Productivity
If extreme forces are applied to reduce the adjustable loop construct, then graft positioning is achieved, but tissue and graft damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A reduction tool is introduced as an intermediary device to assist in reducing the adjustable loop construct. The reduction tool engages with the loop construct and allows for controlled reduction forces to be applied, distributing the load and preventing direct damage to the tissue and graft while achieving proper graft positioning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complicated assembly steps are used for fixation system, then adaptability to different procedures is improved, but ease of manufacture and surgical workflow deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into separate modular components including a cortical button, adjustable loop construct, and reduction tool. Each component can be manufactured independently and assembled during surgery as needed, providing adaptability to different procedures while simplifying manufacturing and reducing assembly complexity through standardization.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1E
Figure 1F~1G
AI summary
Methods and devices for tissue fixation. A cortical button with a rib between two slotted openings. The rib increases the cortical button structural rigidity without increasing palpability. An adjustable loop construct with two discrete locking passages that provides manageable loop reduction and improved tissue coupling. The adjustable loop construct may be coupled to tissue via a passing construct. An assembly with a reduction bar, a button and an adjustable loop construct, the assembly provided assembled in a first configuration that disassembles to guide steps of tissue fixation. The reduction bar may be assembled to the reduction bar for reducing the adjustable loop construct.