Dynamic Bone Cable Fixation for Scapholunate Ligament Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing disruptions between bones, such as the scapho-lunate ligament, often result in static reconnection, failing to allow natural motion and rotation between bones, which is essential for proper healing and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a combination of sleeves, strands, and crimps with a dual-sided drill guide to securely align and tension bones, using a flexible implant made of materials like multifilament stainless steel, allowing for motion while maintaining approximation, and can incorporate a graft for enhanced healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If static reconnection methods (screws, wires, pins) are used to repair bone disruptions, then bone stability is improved, but natural motion and rotation between bones is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static fixation devices with a dynamic cable system that maintains bone approximation while allowing natural motion. The flexible cable implant can accommodate physiological movements and rotations between bones, unlike rigid screws or wires. The cable tensioning mechanism enables dynamic adjustment to maintain stability throughout the range of motion, resolving the contradiction between stability and motion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the fixation system by using a flexible cable with adjustable tension rather than rigid mechanical fasteners. The cable's flexibility and the ability to adjust tension levels allow the system to adapt to varying motion requirements, transforming the fixation from a static, rigid state to a dynamic, adaptable state that preserves natural bone movement while maintaining repair integrity.
2Strength
If rigid fixation devices are used to secure bones, then approximation stability is improved, but flexibility and natural movement are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cable implant that functions as a flexible binding element to secure bone approximations. Unlike rigid fixation devices, the flexible cable allows natural bone movements and rotations while maintaining the necessary tensile strength to hold bones in proper alignment. The flexibility of the cable enables it to conform to the dynamic geometry of moving bones without compromising approximation stability.
3Reliability
If multiple surgical tools and crimps are used to secure wire loops, then fixation reliability is improved, but device complexity and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components from the fixation system. Instead of using multiple crimps, clamps, and complex tensioning devices, the invention employs a simplified cable system with integrated tensioning capability. The cable can be directly tensioned and secured without requiring multiple separate fixation elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining fixation reliability through the inherent strength and adjustability of the cable system.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for the repair of disruptions between bones. The apparatus defines a combination of sleeves, strands and crimps are provided to secure the bones, using a dual sided drill guide to prepare the bones for installation of the apparatus, which is adjusted upon installation to suit the appropriate alignment and tension of the apparatus. The method includes the preparation of the bones, the installation of the apparatus and the adjustment of the apparatus to properly align and tension the apparatus for repair of the bone.