Flexible Planar Tissue Fixation Assembly for Bone Hole Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tissue fixation devices are often rigid, making them difficult to implant and providing inconsistent fixation, as they do not easily adapt to the bone hole anatomy.

Innovation Solution

A flexible fixation assembly comprising a flexible main body with planar surfaces and a suture engagement portion that can flex outward against the bone hole walls upon implantation, allowing for secure retention of both the assembly and the suture within the bone hole.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid fixation devices are used, then structural strength is improved, but ease of implantation deteriorates and fixation consistency worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidease of implantation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation device transitions from a rigid state during implantation to a flexible state for fixation. The device is inserted in a compressed configuration and then expands to engage the bone wall, providing dynamic adaptability that combines ease of implantation with secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes its physical parameters from a compressed low-volume state during insertion to an expanded high-volume state for fixation. This parameter change allows the device to pass through small incisions and then expand to provide strong anchoring in the bone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If rigid fixation devices are used, then structural strength is improved, but fixation consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidfixation consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device features localized engagement elements such as barbs or hooks at specific positions that provide consistent fixation points. The flexible body material distributes forces evenly across the bone wall, ensuring reliable fixation regardless of minor anatomical variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible nature of the device allows it to adapt to the specific geometry of the bone hole and surrounding tissue, providing consistent fixation across different patients and anatomical locations. The device conforms to the local anatomy rather than requiring precise anatomical matching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If flexible fixation devices are used, then ease of implantation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implantationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a flexible body portion for adaptation, engagement elements for fixation, and a suture attachment portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The use of flexible shell materials provides the necessary adaptability for easy implantation while maintaining structural integrity. The thin-film construction allows the device to be compressed for insertion and then expand to provide fixation without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of operation

If flexible fixation devices are used, then ease of implantation is improved, but retention reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implantationVSAvoidretention reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates localized engagement features such as barbs, hooks, or interlocking elements at the fixation interface that provide reliable retention. These localized features ensure secure anchoring in the bone while the flexible body maintains ease of implantation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes curved or tapered geometries that facilitate easy insertion into the bone hole while providing mechanical interlocking for reliable retention. The curved profile allows the device to follow the natural geometry of the bone tunnel and engage the bone wall effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 flexible fixation assembly enables easy implantation and consistent fixation of tissues to bone, reducing the complexity of procedures and enhancing the stability of tissue attachment without the need for additional fastening devices.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible main body is configured to flex outward against walls of a bone hole when implanted therein to retain both the flexible main body and the suture mated therewith within the bone hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10130355B2Flexible planar member for tissue fixation

Publication Date: 2018.11.20 BIOMET MFG LLC

AI summary

A flexible fixation assembly including a flexible main body and a suture engagement portion of the flexible main body. The suture engagement portion is configured to cooperate with a suture to mate the suture with the flexible main body. The flexible main body is configured to flex outward against walls of a bone hole when implanted therein to retain both the flexible main body and the suture mated therewith within the bone hole.