Graft Fixation Assembly with Bone Spikes and Compression Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing soft tissue grafts during ACL reconstruction lack effective mechanisms for stable fixation and compression, leading to potential instability and degenerative arthritis if not properly attached to the tibia bone.
Innovation Solution
A graft fixation system comprising a base member with bone-engaging spikes and a compression member, secured by a fastener, which compresses the graft between the two members to anchor it within a tibial tunnel, ensuring stable fixation and integration with the bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current methods are used to secure the graft in position, then the graft can be attached to the bone tunnel, but the fixation is not stable and lacks effective compression
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into two separate members: a base member that provides stable anchoring to the bone tunnel, and a compression member that applies compression force to the graft. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the base member ensuring reliability through bone engagement and the compression member providing stable fixation through controlled compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The base member is first secured to the bone tunnel before the compression member is applied. This preliminary action establishes a stable foundation that prevents graft displacement, and subsequent compression is applied through the fastener mechanism to achieve final stable fixation.
2Ease of operation
If the graft is not properly compressed and secured, then the attachment process is simple, but the result leads to instability and potential degenerative arthritis
Solution Approach 1:
The compression member acts as an intermediary between the fastener and the graft, translating the fastening action into controlled compression force. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the graft receives adequate compression for stable integration while maintaining ease of operation through a straightforward fastening process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the compression parameter by adjusting the fastener tension, which directly affects the compression force applied to the graft. By optimizing this parameter, the system achieves stable fixation that prevents instability and degenerative arthritis while keeping the operation simple.
3Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is implemented, then the graft is stable, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The base member and compression member are combined into a single integrated fixation system that works together to provide stable graft attachment. The base member's bone engagement features and the compression member's compression mechanism are merged through the fastener, creating a unified system that achieves reliability without excessive complexity.
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 provides a secure and stable attachment of the soft tissue graft to the tibia bone, enhancing the integration and reducing the risk of instability and degenerative arthritis by ensuring proper compression and tensioning of the graft.
Implementation Method 1
impacting a base member of a graft fixation assembly into a posterior wall surface of the bone tunnel
Implementation Method 2
compressing the graft between the base member and a compression member by drawing the compression member toward the base member with a fastener
Implementation Method 3
tensioning the graft within the bone tunnel
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings provide for a graft fixation assembly including a base member, a compression member, and a fastener. The base member includes a bone engaging surface and a first graft engaging surface opposite to the bone engaging surface. A plurality of first fixation members extend from the bone engaging surface and are configured to be impacted into bone. The compression member includes a second graft engaging surface and an outer surface opposite to the second graft engaging surface. The fastener is configured to secure the compression member relative to the base member such that a graft between the base member and the compression member is compressed therebetween and secured to the graft fixation assembly.