Expandable Bone Anchor for Arthroscopic ACL Graft Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ACL reconstruction procedures are difficult to perform arthroscopically and require multiple steps and tools for securing soft tissue, such as tendons or ligaments, to bone.
Innovation Solution
The use of an expandable bone anchor with an internal cavity and a spreader that expands outward upon insertion, allowing for secure fixation of soft tissue to bone by forming a bone tunnel and expanding the anchor body to fit the entire length or selectively expand at various points along the anchor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-step ACL reconstruction methods are used, then soft tissue can be secured to bone, but the procedure becomes complex and difficult to perform arthroscopically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (tissue capture, bone tunnel insertion, and anchor deployment) into a single integrated anchor device. The anchor device includes a capture member for grasping soft tissue, an inserter for creating the bone tunnel, and an expandable anchor body, all in one unit, eliminating the need for separate tools and steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor device serves multiple functions: it captures soft tissue via the capture member, creates the bone tunnel through the inserter, and secures the tissue to bone through expansion. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall procedure while maintaining reliable tissue-bone attachment.
2Reliability
If traditional ACL reconstruction procedures are performed, then tissue can be attached to bone, but the procedural time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capture member is pre-configured on the anchor device to grasp the soft tissue before insertion. This preliminary capture action ensures the tissue is securely held during the entire insertion and expansion process, eliminating the need for separate tissue handling steps and reducing procedural time.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining tissue capture, insertion, and expansion into one continuous action using the integrated anchor device, the procedure time is reduced while maintaining secure tissue fixation. The single-device approach eliminates tool changes and multiple procedural steps.
3Reliability
If expandable anchors are used to extend through the entire bone tunnel, then secure fixation is achieved, but tissue injury may occur during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device is segmented into distinct functional components: a capture member for gentle tissue grasping, an inserter for bone tunnel creation, and an expandable anchor body for fixation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally while minimizing harm to surrounding tissues during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture member performs preliminary tissue capture and protection before the anchor body is inserted and expanded. This ensures the soft tissue is secured and protected during the insertion process, reducing the risk of injury while maintaining fixation security.
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
Facilitates secure and efficient attachment of soft tissue to bone with reduced procedural complexity and minimizes tissue injury during ACL reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
inserting an anchor into a proximal opening of the bone tunnel to a position where a distal end of the anchor is adjacent to a distal opening of the bone tunnel, wherein the anchor comprises an expandable anchor body having an internal cavity and a spreader, and sliding the expander into the internal cavity, thereby causing at least a portion of the anchor body to expand outward
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A tissue anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body and a spreader such that tissue may be captured or compressed between outside surfaces on the anchor and inside surfaces of a bone tunnel to secure the tissue within the tunnel. Methods are described that enable use of the bone anchoring device to secure a tissue graft into the tibial and femoral bones during anterior cruciate ligament (“ACL”) reconstruction.