Expandable Suture Anchor Liner for Long-Term Bone Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suture anchors often lack stability and strength, leading to loosening and failure over time, which can result in detachment of the connecting suture, compromising the integrity of the tissue-bone connection.

Innovation Solution

A suture anchor system comprising an anchor liner with an external thread and a cavity for an inner locking component, which expands radially to secure the suture, combined with an insertion tool for precise placement and tensioning, ensuring stable fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional suture anchors are used, then the procedure is simple, but the stability and strength of the tissue-bone connection deteriorates over time leading to loosening and failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability and strength of tissue-bone connectionVSAvoidlong-term maintenance of connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The suture anchor system is divided into multiple functional components: an anchor body with external threads for bone engagement, an internal cavity for suture retention, and an expansion mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in a specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining procedural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suture anchor incorporates an expansion mechanism that transitions from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state after insertion. This dynamic transformation enables the anchor to achieve stable fixation in bone while maintaining the ability to be inserted through a minimally invasive procedure, resolving the contradiction between insertion simplicity and long-term stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the suture anchor is designed with complex internal structures to improve stability, then the stability increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of suture anchorVSAvoidstructure of suture anchor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suture anchor features a nested structure where the suture retention cavity is positioned within the anchor body, and the expansion mechanism is contained within the cavity. This nesting arrangement achieves stable fixation through multiple functional layers without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the components work together in a compact integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor body incorporates localized features such as external threads at specific regions for optimal bone engagement, while the internal cavity provides targeted suture retention. This local differentiation of properties allows the anchor to achieve high stability through specialized local functions rather than requiring complex overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the suture anchor uses simple insertion method, then the ease of operation is high, but the precision of placement and tensioning is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion procedureVSAvoidplacement precision and tensioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The suture anchor system employs intermediary components including a delivery device with a needle for precise anchor placement, and a tensioning device with a ratchet mechanism for controlled suture tensioning. These intermediaries bridge the gap between simple insertion methods and the need for precise placement and tensioning, allowing the overall procedure to remain relatively simple while achieving high precision where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system provides increased stability and strength, maintaining tension over an extended period and reducing the risk of suture anchor failure and detachment, thereby enhancing the durability of tissue-bone connections.

Implementation Method 1

the anchor liner may be adapted to expand radially to secure the suture in the bone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial expansion:

Implementation Method 2

The body of the anchor liner may comprise an external thread on an exterior surface of the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreaded engagement: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS20260076666A1Suture anchor system and method of use

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 SKELETAL DYNAMICS INC

AI summary

A suture anchor system for securing a suture to a bone, the system comprising an anchor liner and an inner locking component; the anchor liner comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a substantially cylindrical elongated body with a longitudinal axis; the body having an external thread, a cavity along the longitudinal axis with an inner wall and an opening at the proximal end, a suture hole transverse to the longitudinal axis near the distal end, and one or more expansion areas through a portion of the body at the proximal end; the inner locking component comprising a leading end, a trailing end, and an elongated body with an outer surface adapted to engage the cavity inner wall.