Flexible Ribbon Joint Reduction Loop for Tissue-Sparing Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical methods for repairing dislocated acromioclavicular joints fail to maintain adequate tension and alignment during healing, often causing complications such as bone damage and requiring additional surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A modified cable tie-like structure composed of materials like nylon or collagen, with a specific elasticity, is used to form a closed loop around the displaced clavicle and coracoid process, applying tension to realign the bones and maintain proper joint tension during healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hard materials or sutures are used to wrap around bones and soft tissues to effect reduction, then joint alignment can be achieved, but the materials cut through the bones and soft tissues during normal shoulder motion in the rehabilitation stage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from hard sutures to elastic bandage material with specific elastic modulus, allowing the material to stretch and flex with bone motion during rehabilitation without cutting through the tissues while maintaining joint alignment stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible elastic bandage instead of rigid hard materials, allowing the bandage to conform to bone contours and move with the bones during shoulder motion, preventing tissue damage while maintaining reduction
2Stability of the object's composition
If screws and washers are used to approximate bones at the dislocated joint, then joint alignment can be maintained, but a second surgery is required for removal and the hardware often dislodges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for metallic screws and washers entirely, replacing them with a simple elastic bandage that maintains alignment through elastic tension rather than mechanical fastening, eliminating the need for second surgery to remove hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive elastic bandage that serves its purpose during the healing period and is then discarded, replacing complex permanent or semi-permanent metallic fixation systems that require removal surgery
3Stability of the object's composition
If sutures and tapes are wrapped around the tendon and bones to effect reduction, then joint alignment can be achieved, but the tissues stretch out during normal shoulder motion in the rehabilitation stage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material property from inelastic sutures to elastic bandage material with controlled elastic modulus, enabling the material to dynamically adjust tension during shoulder motion through elastic deformation rather than permanent stretching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the elastic bandage continuously adjusts its tension based on the degree of bone displacement and shoulder motion, providing active stabilization rather than passive fixed tension that stretches out over time
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 modified cable tie structure effectively aligns and supports the acromioclavicular joint, allowing normal function during healing without causing collateral damage, and reduces the need for secondary surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic bandage 22 having a coefficient of elasticity that matches the net directional aggregate elasticity of the natural, undamaged acromioclavicular, conoid, and trapezoid ligaments of the human shoulder
Implementation Method 2
the elasticity of which allows for some relative motion between the bones during healing, without substantial loss of position
Data Source
AI summary
A joint dislocation reduction device includes an elongated flexible ribbon-like band extending along a central axis from a proximal end to a tapered distal end. A distal end coupling element is disposed at the distal end. A proximal end coupling element is disposed at the proximal end. A cord extends from the tapered distal end to a needle. In a form, the band includes a flexible metallic ribbon disposed within a surrounding flexible, insulating coating element, wherein the band includes one or more resilient shape-memory regions between the proximal and distal ends. With the band under applied axial tension, the proximal end and distal end coupling elements are adapted to form a coupling assembly coupling the proximal and distal ends, forming a closed loop around a clavicle and a coracoid process with a single 180° twist, whereby the band rests flush against the clavicle and the coracoid process.