Dog Bone Button AC Joint Fixation with Fused Suture Tape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current AC joint repair systems, such as GraftRope and AC TightRope, face issues with large bone tunnels that risk fractures and interference from high-strength sutures, leading to potential device loss and instability, especially if suture strands break.
Innovation Solution
The use of a 'dog bone' shaped button with a concavity matching the convexity of bones, combined with high-strength suture strands or tape, and a fused/joined suture construct with secondary fixation in the clavicle and subcoracoid, to create a more stable and secure AC joint fixation system with smaller holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If large bone tunnels (4-6 mm) are drilled through the clavicle and coracoid, then the suture button construct can be passed through, but the risk of bone fractures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the size parameter of the button construct, reducing it from large (4-6 mm tunnels) to small (2-3 mm tunnels). The smaller button construct allows passage through smaller bone tunnels, thereby reducing the risk of bone fractures while still achieving effective AC joint fixation.
2Strength
If high strength suture strands are used on the outside of the graft, then the fixation strength is increased, but the suture strands may interfere with graft incorporation and breakage may compromise fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high strength suture strands from the exterior position and relocates them to the interior of the button construct. This eliminates the interference with graft incorporation while maintaining the fixation strength benefit. The sutures are no longer exposed on the outside where they could cause problems.
3Productivity
If the traction suture breaks during the pull, then the graft can get stuck under the clavicle, but passing the graft through tunnels creates friction and difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using a smaller, more maneuverable button construct that reduces friction during graft passage. The reduced size allows smoother passage through the bone tunnels, preventing the graft from getting stuck and reducing the risk of suture breakage during the pulling process.
4Strength
If friction is created on the oblong button by suture loops, then securing the button becomes difficult, but suture loops are needed for fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a symmetric oblong button to an asymmetric smaller button construct. This asymmetric design reduces the surface area contact with suture loops, minimizing friction and making the button easier to secure while maintaining adequate fixation strength through optimized geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for AC joint repair using a fixation device having a specific “dog bone” configuration in a minimally invasive approach. One AC fixation system is formed of dog bone shaped buttons and at least one suture tape used to secure the buttons during an AC joint repair. The buttons are provided with openings that allow the passage of suture/tape limbs. Another AC joint fixation system is formed of a metal button inserted over a fused/joined construct having multiple flexible strands. The fused/joined construct is formed of multiple independent and separate suture strands and/or suture tapes that are joined (fused together) at about the midpoint of the tapes and/or sutures, resulting in multiple independent limbs of suture/tape. A suture tape loop construct having an integrally formed eyelet at one end of the loop may also be used in the fixation systems.