Deflectable Finger Bone Anchor for Orthopedic Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bone anchors for orthopedic repair procedures lack sufficient stability and versatility, particularly in resisting tension during and after implantation, and do not offer robust configurations for various orthopedic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A bone anchor assembly comprising an outer anchor tube with deflectable fingers and an insert, designed for secure engagement with bone, combined with a suture element that includes a pledget to prevent dislodgment, made from biocompatible materials like nitinol and polyetheretherketone, allowing for adjustable suture loops and configurations for different orthopedic applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional bone anchors are used, then the structure is simple, but the stability and tension resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchor is divided into separate functional components: an anchor body with engagement elements (tines or flutes) for bone purchase, a spreader mechanism for deployment, and a suture loop for tissue attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while collectively providing superior tension resistance compared to conventional monolithic anchors.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader mechanism is positioned within the anchor body during implantation, and the suture loop is integrated through the anchor structure. The nested arrangement of these components within the anchor body allows for compact storage during delivery while enabling full functional deployment in the bone, achieving both simplicity of delivery and complexity of function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional bone anchors are used, then the implantation process is simple, but the stability during and after implantation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor body is pre-formed with engagement elements (tines or flutes) and a integrated suture loop before implantation. The spreader mechanism is pre-positioned within the anchor body. This preliminary configuration allows the anchor to be inserted as a single unit into the bone, and the engagement elements are already positioned to immediately provide stability upon insertion, eliminating the need for complex post-implantation stabilization procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader mechanism is designed to be actuated by the surgeon during implantation to deploy the engagement elements and suture loop into their functional positions. The anchor body itself serves as the structure that provides stability once deployed, requiring no additional stabilization components or complex surgical steps beyond the spreader actuation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bone anchors are used, then the device is simple, but the versatility for various orthopedic procedures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchor is designed with universal features that enable it to be used across multiple orthopedic procedures: the engagement elements (tines or flutes) can be adjusted to engage different bone densities and geometries, the suture loop can be attached to various soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, capsules), and the spreader mechanism can be actuated to deploy different configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single anchor design to serve diverse surgical applications from toe corrections to joint fusions.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor body incorporates dynamic elements including deflectable engagement elements that can adapt to different bone geometries, and a spreader mechanism that can be actuated to deploy the anchor in different configurations. The suture loop can be adjusted and repositioned during surgery to accommodate different tissue attachment requirements. This dynamic capability enables the same anchor structure to be adapted to various procedural needs without requiring multiple specialized anchor designs.
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 bone anchor assembly provides a firm and stable anchoring point, resisting tension both during and after implantation, and can be configured for various orthopedic procedures such as toe corrections, joint fusions, and other repairs, ensuring robust fixation and durability.
Implementation Method 1
an outer anchor tube with deflectable fingers and an insert, designed for secure engagement with bone
Implementation Method 2
made from biocompatible materials like nitinol and polyetheretherketone
Data Source
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AI summary
An implantable bone anchor assembly comprises an outer anchor tube and a tubular insert. The outer anchor tube defines a longitudinal axis of the bone anchor assembly and a longitudinal channel, and has a first portion including a first end, and a plurality of fingers circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis. Each finger extends from the first portion and has a free end, and is configured to project laterally at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and to be deflectable radially inward. The tubular insert has a shank and a longitudinal bore configured to receive a portion of a suture assembly for an orthopedic treatment. The outer anchor tube and the tubular insert are configured to be locked together upon complete insertion of the shank into the longitudinal channel.