Flexible Suture Interosseous Membrane Reconstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tears in the interosseous membrane between bones, such as the radius and ulna, hinder natural movement and loading due to the use of rigid fixation members like pins, which restrict pronation and supination.

Innovation Solution

A method involving flexible sutures that are oriented parallel to the fibers of the interosseous membrane to connect and stabilize the bones, allowing for natural movement while providing stability, using a kit that includes drill guides to create suitable bore angles for suture placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid fixation members like pins are used to repair interosseous membrane tears, then stability between bones is improved, but range of motion such as pronation and supination is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability between bonesVSAvoidrange of motion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible sutures instead of rigid pins to repair the interosseous membrane. These sutures are thin, flexible members that can be passed through the membrane and tied to provide stabilization while allowing the natural movement and bending of the forearm during pronation and supination, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and range of motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the fixation member from rigid (pins) to flexible (sutures). This parameter change allows the fixation method to provide sufficient stability for bone healing while simultaneously permitting the dynamic range of motion required for normal forearm function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If sutures are oriented perpendicular to bone surface for easy insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but alignment with interosseous membrane fibers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of suture insertionVSAvoidalignment with membrane fibers

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs drill guides that are positioned on the bone surface before suture insertion. These guides pre-establish the correct angled pathway (e.g., 45 degrees to the bone surface) that aligns with the interosseous membrane fibers, allowing sutures to be inserted easily while maintaining precise alignment with the membrane architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The drill guide acts as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the bone. It translates the simple action of inserting a suture through the guide into the complex requirement of achieving precise angular alignment with the interosseous membrane fibers, thereby simplifying the procedure while ensuring accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9445827B2Method and apparatus for intraosseous membrane reconstruction

Publication Date: 2016.09.20 BIOMET MFG LLC

AI summary

A method for repairing a defect in an interosseous membrane located between a first bone and a second bone. The method includes: coupling a flexible member to the first bone and the second bone, the flexible member extending past a first area of the interosseous membrane between the first bone and the second bone; and orienting the flexible member such that the flexible member extends generally parallel to fibers of the first area of the interosseous membrane.