Expandable Sheath Bone Anchor for Biceps Tenodesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for anchoring a biceps tendon to the humerus are cumbersome, requiring multiple tools and risking tendon damage due to screw insertion and tension maintenance challenges during the tenodesis procedure.
Innovation Solution
A bone anchor inserter tool with an expandable sheath and expander system that allows for simultaneous insertion and expansion within a bone hole, reducing the need for separate tools and minimizing tendon rotation risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw is used to anchor the tendon to bone, then secure anchoring is achieved, but the risk of tendon damage increases due to rotation during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the anchoring function and the protective function into a single integrated device. The forked anchor incorporates protective bars that envelop the tendon, allowing the anchor to secure the tendon to bone while simultaneously protecting it from rotational damage during screw insertion. This merging eliminates the need for separate protective measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective bars act as an intermediary between the rotating screw and the tendon. These bars absorb and redirect the rotational forces, preventing direct transmission of damaging torque to the tendon while still allowing the screw to achieve secure anchoring of the tendon to bone.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are used for tendon anchoring procedures, then comprehensive functionality is achieved, but procedure time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The forked anchor device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it anchors the tendon to bone, protects the tendon from rotational damage, and provides a structure for suture attachment. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate tools into a single device, reducing procedure time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the anchor, protective mechanism, and suture attachment features into a single integrated forked anchor device. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate tools and steps, streamlining the surgical procedure while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If tension is applied to the tendon during screw insertion, then proper alignment is maintained, but the anchor may back-out of the bone hole
Solution Approach 1:
The forked anchor is pre-configured with protective bars and suture attachment features before insertion. This preliminary configuration allows the anchor to maintain tendon alignment and prevent back-out through its inherent structural design, rather than relying on continuous tension application during the insertion process.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided for anchoring a ligament or tendon to bone. In general, various inserter tools are provided for simultaneously delivering an expandable sheath and an expander into bone. With both components of the implant mounted on the same tool, the sheath and a ligament can be advanced into a bone hole and the expander, which trails behind the sheath during delivery of the sheath, can be advanced into the sheath to expand the sheath and anchor the sheath and ligament within the bone hole.