Expandable Bone Anchor for Minimally Invasive Labral Re-attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for arthroscopically re-attaching the labrum to the acetabulum in the hip joint are limited by the use of large bone anchors that cause unnecessary trauma and misalignment, leading to indirect labral re-attachment and potential damage to the articular cartilage.
Innovation Solution
A novel suture anchor system with an expandable bone anchor and force-limiting force delivery mechanism that allows for precise and controlled deployment of the anchor, enabling direct re-attachment of the labrum with minimal tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If large bone anchors are used for labral re-attachment, then secure fixation of the labrum is achieved, but unnecessary trauma to the tissue and misalignment occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from large, fixed-size bone anchors to small, expandable anchors that change size after deployment. The anchor is inserted in a compressed state through a needle puncture and then expanded within the acetabular bone to achieve secure fixation with minimal initial tissue disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the anchor deployment process into distinct phases: insertion of the collapsed anchor through a needle, expansion of the anchor within the bone, and subsequent suture attachment. This segmentation allows the anchor to be delivered minimally invasively while achieving full fixation strength after expansion
2Strength
If large bone anchors are used for labral re-attachment, then secure fixation is achieved, but misalignment and indirect re-attachment occur leading to potential cartilage damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the needle as an intermediary delivery mechanism that provides precise alignment and positioning of the small anchor within the acetabular bone. The needle acts as a guide and constraint, ensuring the anchor is placed at the exact location and orientation needed for direct labral re-attachment, preventing misalignment and cartilage damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional placement problem (positioning a large anchor on the bone surface) to a three-dimensional expansion process (deploying a small anchor that expands within the bone). This dimensional change allows precise positioning through the needle while achieving secure fixation through expansion in multiple directions within the bone matrix
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2
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AI summary
Apparatus for securing an object to bone, the apparatus comprising: an anchor assembly comprising an anchor and an actuation element extending from the anchor, wherein applying a force to the actuation element when the anchor is disposed in a hole formed in a bone secures the anchor to the bone; and an inserter for deploying the anchor assembly in a hole formed in a bone, the inserter comprising: a shaft for releasably engaging the anchor; and a force delivery mechanism mounted to the shaft and connected to the actuation element, the force delivery mechanism being constructed so as to receive an input force from an external source and to selectively apply an output force to the actuation element, with the force delivery mechanism being constructed so that the magnitude of the output force is limited regardless of the magnitude of the input force.