Internal Fibula Sling Fixation Without Fibular Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing syndesmotic fixation methods, such as metal screws and suture buttons, lead to stress fractures, tissue irritation, and mal-reductions in syndesmosis, with implant position heavily dependent on surgeon skill, and may cause degenerative ankle issues.

Innovation Solution

A stabilization system using anchors secured in the tibia and a suture that wraps around the fibula, eliminating the need to drill through the fibula, thereby stabilizing the joint without causing stress fractures or tissue irritation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metallic screws are used for syndesmotic fixation, then the joint is stabilized, but stress fractures may occur in the fibula and normal anatomic motion is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint stabilizationVSAvoidstress fractures and limited motion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful drilling action from the fibula by relocating the anchor points to the tibia only. The suture system provides stabilization without requiring holes through the fibula, thereby eliminating stress fracture risk while maintaining joint stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The suture acts as an intermediary element that transfers the stabilizing force from the tibia anchors to the fibula without direct mechanical attachment. This allows the fibula to be stabilized indirectly, preserving its structural integrity and normal motion capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If suture button constructs are used, then the syndesmosis is fixed, but tissue irritation and pain occur due to button prominence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesyndesmosis fixationVSAvoidtissue irritation and pain

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the prominent suture buttons from the lateral and medial aspects of the joint. By anchoring solely in the tibia and using a wrapped suture configuration, there are no protruding buttons to cause soft tissue irritation or pain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If holes are drilled through the fibula and tibia, then fixation is achieved, but stress fractures may occur in osteoporotic bone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidstress fractures in osteoporotic bone

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful drilling action from the fibula entirely. Anchors are placed only in the tibia, and the suture wraps around the fibula to provide fixation without compromising its structural integrity, which is especially beneficial in osteoporotic bone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If screws or suture buttons are placed through the fibula, then the syndesmosis is stabilized, but mal-reductions may occur due to force vectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesyndesmosis stabilizationVSAvoidanatomical reduction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of anchoring in the fibula and pulling through the syndesmosis, the invention inverts the approach by anchoring in the tibia and wrapping the suture around the fibula. This reversal of the force vector application point allows for more precise anatomical reduction and eliminates mal-reduction risks associated with improper fibular drilling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12533118B2Internal fibula sling

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 GLOBUS MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Syndesmotic fixation devices, systems, instruments, and methods thereof. An implant for stabilizing an ankle joint between a tibia and a fibula may include first and second anchors secured to the tibia and a suture configured to wrap around the fibula. The suture may be tensioned to provide a circumferential force around the fibula to stabilize the joint.