Dynamic Syndesmosis Anchor With Short Tether for Joint Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current syndesmotic injury treatments, such as rigid screw fixation and suture/tether-based stabilization, fail to allow physiological motion and often cause bone damage or patient pain, while existing suture/tether-based systems do not mimic the intact ligament structures of the syndesmosis.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic syndesmosis stabilization implants with a short suture/tether length that does not extend through the syndesmotic joint bones, minimizing bone removal and providing flexible stabilization options including rigid fixation, progressive rigid fixation, and suture-based stabilization, using dynamic bone anchors with a resilient bumper to control movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid screw fixation is used, then joint stability is improved, but physiological motion is completely restricted and bone damage can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The implant system transitions from static rigid fixation to dynamic stabilization by incorporating a suture/tether that allows controlled motion. The suture/tether system enables the joint to move physiologically while maintaining stability, as the soft tissue constraint adapts to the joint's natural range of motion rather than completely restricting it like rigid screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of fixation by using a suture/tether with specific length and tension characteristics. By optimizing the suture/tether length to be shorter than previous designs and adjusting its tension, the system achieves both stability and physiological motion, resolving the contradiction between rigid stability and natural joint movement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If suture/tether extends through entire joint bones, then stabilization is achieved, but bone removal is excessive and healing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the suture/tether from extending through the entire bone structure and repositions it to only span the necessary distance for stabilization. The suture/tether is configured to extend from the fibula to a limited portion of the tibia rather than through the entire joint, removing unnecessary bone disruption while maintaining effective stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture/tether is positioned to provide localized stabilization only where needed at the syndesmosis joint, rather than extending through entire bones. This localized approach minimizes bone removal and disruption to surrounding healthy bone tissue while maintaining adequate stabilization of the injured ligaments.
3Ease of operation
If current suture/tether systems are used, then limited motion is allowed, but intact ligament structures are not mimicked
Solution Approach 1:
The suture/tether system is designed to copy the attachment location and distance characteristics of the intact syndesmotic ligaments. By positioning the suture/tether to match the natural anatomical parameters of the ligaments it replaces, the system reliably mimics the original ligament structure's function and geometry, improving both motion and structural fidelity.
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 implants provide dynamic stabilization that mimics natural joint motion, reduces bone disturbance, and offers intraoperative flexibility to treat various syndesmotic injuries, minimizing bone removal and patient discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient bumper positioned within cannulation of the body portion between at least a portion of the piston member and a retaining feature within the cannulation of the body portion
Data Source
AI summary
An implant system for stabilization of bones and/or tissue. The system includes a dynamic bone anchor and at least one tether and at least one secondary tether anchor. The anchor includes a cannulated main body having a proximal head portion, a distal end portion and a body portion. The anchor also includes a piston member and a resilient bumper positioned within the cannulation of the main body. The body portion also includes bone engagement projections extending about outer sides of the body portion and an outer groove extending through the bone engagement projections. The piston member has a first lateral through hole, and the distal end portion has a second lateral through hole that is in communication with the first lateral through hole. The body portion further includes a lateral aperture that is in communication with the cannulation and is substantially aligned with the outer groove.