Flexible Suture Buttons With Bone-Tunnel Insertion for Ankle Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fixation methodologies for ankle syndesmosis rupture require multiple incisions, manual suture tensioning, and often result in loose sutures and soft tissue damage due to complex knot-tying, which compromises fixation strength and surgical trauma.
Innovation Solution
A suture button system comprising a flexible fixation implant with a flexible connector and two suture buttons, deployed using an inserter device, which minimizes incisions and eliminates the need for complex knot-tying by using a knotless tensioning mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If manual suture tensioning and knot-tying are used, then the suture can be secured to bone, but the surgical trauma increases and fixation strength decreases due to loose sutures and multiple knots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful knot-tying process from the surgical procedure. The suture button device replaces manual knot-tying with a mechanical button insertion system that secures the suture through a button placed in a bone tunnel, removing the need for multiple knots and associated tissue damage while maintaining fixation strength
Solution Approach 2:
The suture button acts as an intermediary device between the suture and the bone. Instead of directly tying knots in the suture, the button mediates the connection by providing a mechanical anchor point in the bone tunnel, which secures the suture ends without requiring complex knot-tying procedures
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple incisions and through-drilling are performed, then the suture button can be implanted, but the surgical complexity and tissue damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implantation procedure is segmented into distinct steps: creating a bone tunnel, inserting the button through the tunnel, and securing the suture. This segmentation allows the complex task of suture fixation to be broken down into manageable steps that reduce overall surgical complexity compared to traditional multi-incision approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The suture button device serves multiple functions: it anchors the suture, provides fixation across the bone tunnel, and eliminates the need for separate knot-tying instruments. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate surgical steps and instruments needed, simplifying the overall procedure
3Reliability
If manual knot-tying is performed to secure suture, then the suture can be fixed, but the procedure time increases and fixation reliability decreases due to loose sutures
Solution Approach 1:
The suture button system is self-securing through its mechanical design. The button is inserted into the bone tunnel and secured by its own geometry and the tension applied during insertion, eliminating the need for external knot-tying actions. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable fixation while significantly reducing the time required compared to manual knot-tying procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A suture button system for fixing a syndesmotic injury comprises a flexible fixation implant and an inserter device used to deploy the implant across bones. The flexible fixation implant typically comprises a flexible connector and two suture buttons which interface with the bone surface or a bone plate or washer. The flexible connector comprises a plurality of suture strands. The buttons typically have a feature which allows them to interface with an instrument used to deploy the implant across the two bones. The inserter device is configured to interface with the flexible fixation implant and to position it across bones through a pre-drilled bone tunnel. The inserter device may comprise an cannulated insertion rod and a handle.