Deployable Bone Anchor With Tensioned Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bone anchors are non-deployable once positioned in the bone, limiting their ability to securely fixate bone fragments and maintain tension for effective healing.
Innovation Solution
A deployable anchor system that includes a head with adjustable tensionable cable, allowing the head to deform and frictionally engage the bone, providing secure fixation and adjustable tension for bone stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional non-deployable anchors are used, then the device structure is simple, but the fixation reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor head transitions from a compact non-deployed state to an expanded deployed state through cable tensioning. The arms are initially contained within a cylindrical envelope, then radially expand to engage the bone cortex, providing dynamic adaptation that improves fixation reliability while maintaining simple insertion procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor head is divided into multiple arms separated by slits, allowing independent deployment of each arm. This segmentation enables the arms to radially expand and engage the bone cortex individually, enhancing fixation reliability through distributed engagement points while maintaining structural simplicity
2Reliability
If deployable anchor with cable tensioning is used, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system deploys itself through cable tensioning without requiring separate deployment mechanisms or additional actuating components. The cable tension directly causes the arms to radially expand through the tapered interior surface mechanism, achieving deployment through the primary loading function rather than requiring auxiliary deployment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor utilizes changes in cable tension parameters to control the deployment state. As cable tension increases, the arms transition from a retracted to an expanded state through the tapered interior surface, allowing continuous adjustment of engagement depth and fixation force without complex control mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable tension cable is used, then the adaptability to different bone sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor design with adjustable cable tension serves multiple functions: it adapts to different bone sizes, controls deployment timing, and adjusts fixation force. This single mechanism handles what would otherwise require multiple specialized components, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving broad adaptability across different anatomical variations
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 deployable anchor system effectively secures bone fragments by frictional engagement, allowing for adjustable tension to accommodate different bone sizes and procedures, enhancing the reliability and reproducibility of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The cable is configured to be tensioned to a measurable and adjustable tension
Implementation Method 2
the head is deployable to frictionally engage the bone and fixate the head relative to the bone
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a deployable anchor that includes a head positionable within or entirely through an interior portion of a bone. While positioned within or entirely through the interior portion of the bone, the head is deployable to frictionally engage the bone and fixate the head relative to the bone. The anchor also includes a cable that is coupled to the head. The cable is configured to be tensioned to a measurable and adjustable tension.