Graft Compression Tube for Smaller Bone Tunnels and Stable Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ACL and PCL reconstruction surgeries face complications such as increased healing time, tissue trauma, and graft failure due to the significant volume of bone tunnels drilled and the use of traditional graft fixation methods, which can lead to suboptimal healing environments and micro-motion between the graft and bone.
Innovation Solution
A graft compression system utilizing an expandable and compressible elongate compression tube made of materials like Nitinol or stainless steel, which can reduce the graft diameter by 50% or more, allowing for smaller bone tunnels and a biologic compressive fit, minimizing micro-motion and the need for interference screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bone tunnel drilling methods are used, then graft fixation is achieved, but tissue trauma and swelling increase due to significant bone volume removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by compressing the graft to reduce its diameter and volume. The compression device reduces the graft diameter from typical sizes to approximately 2-3mm, which allows for smaller bone tunnel diameters. This parameter change in graft size directly reduces the volume of bone removed during tunnel drilling, thereby reducing tissue trauma while maintaining fixation reliability through the compressed graft's improved fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression device is segmented into multiple components including compression members, adjustment mechanisms, and support structures. This segmentation allows for controlled, incremental compression of the graft in stages, enabling precise control over the final graft diameter while minimizing damage to the graft tissue during the compression process.
2Reliability
If traditional graft fixation methods (screws and buttons) are used, then graft stability is achieved, but micro-motion between graft and bone increases leading to fibrous scar formation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using external fixation devices (screws and buttons) to stabilize the graft, the invention inverts the approach by creating internal stability through compression. The compression device applies radial and longitudinal compressive forces to the graft, creating a tight fit within the bone tunnel that eliminates micro-motion without requiring external fixation hardware. This inversion of the fixation strategy eliminates the harmful micro-motion that leads to fibrous scar formation.
3Ease of operation
If larger bone tunnels are drilled to accommodate standard grafts, then graft placement is facilitated, but healing environment quality deteriorates due to increased bone removal
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device performs preliminary compression of the graft before surgical implantation. By reducing the graft diameter and volume in the laboratory setting using the compression device, the graft is prepared in advance for placement into smaller bone tunnels. This preliminary action ensures that when the graft is inserted during surgery, it fits properly without requiring large bone tunnels, thereby preserving the healing environment while maintaining ease of placement.
4Manufacturing precision
If compression device components are made complex to achieve precise graft compression, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow real-time modification of compression forces and graft positioning during the compression process. The adjustable compression members and support structures enable the device to adapt to different graft sizes and shapes, achieving precise compression control without requiring overly complex fixed mechanisms. This dynamic capability provides precision while keeping the overall device design relatively simple and versatile.
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 system enables quicker patient recovery, reduces tissue trauma and swelling, and improves healing by creating a well-fixed graft fit, eliminating the need for additional fixation devices and enhancing tissue recovery.
Implementation Method 1
compressing soft tissue grafts... reduce the graft diameter by 50% or more... create a biologic compressive fit
Implementation Method 2
expandable and compressible elongate compression tube made of materials like Nitinol or stainless steel
Data Source
AI summary
A graft compression system for compressing soft tissue grafts used in connection with reconstructive surgery. The graft compression system includes an upper press body and lower press body, pivotally couple to one another, each having inner sides having a plurality of parallel semi-circular shaped channels formed thereon. The plurality of parallel semi-circular shaped channels have sequentially decreasing channel widths. The upper press body and said lower press body of the graft compression system are configured to pivot about a pivot pin such that the inner sides abut one another, and such that the two sets of semi-circular shaped channels are substantially aligned with one another so as to receive a graft for compression. A screw press barrel is attached to the lower press body, on a side opposite the pivot pin, and is configured to compress the upper press body and lower press body.