Internal Hip Distraction Anchor Assembly and Suture Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint distraction systems require high force loads and often cause collateral damage to peripheral nerves and tissues, limiting their effectiveness in treating conditions like avascular necrosis, arthritis, and femoral-acetabular impingements.
Innovation Solution
Minimally invasive medical devices and methods that use anchor assemblies and suture constructs to distract joints internally by forming passages in bones and applying direct force through a tensioning system, allowing for lower force loads and reduced tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing joint distraction systems are used to separate bone joints, then joint distraction is achieved, but high force loads cause collateral damage to peripheral nerves and tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (distraction device with anchor assembly and suture construct) that mediates the force transmission from the bone to the joint. This intermediary system allows controlled force application through a suture construct that can be tensioned, distributing the load more evenly and reducing direct high-force impacts on peripheral nerves and tissues while still achieving the desired joint distraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The distraction system is segmented into multiple components: an anchor assembly embedded in the bone, a suture construct passing through the bone and joint, and a distraction device. This segmentation allows the force to be applied in a controlled manner through the suture construct, which can be tensioned incrementally, rather than applying high force directly to the joint, thereby reducing collateral damage to surrounding tissues.
2Force
If high force loads are applied to distract joints, then joint separation is achieved, but tissue integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The suture construct in the distraction device is designed to be dynamic and adjustable. The suture can be tensioned and re-tensioned during the procedure, allowing the force application to be adapted to the specific needs of the joint and patient. This dynamic adjustment enables achieving the necessary joint distraction while maintaining tissue integrity by avoiding excessive or prolonged high-force loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture construct acts as an intermediary that transfers force from the distraction device to the joint in a controlled manner. This intermediary element distributes the force more evenly across the joint structures, preventing localized stress concentrations that would compromise tissue integrity, while still achieving the desired joint separation.
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 described approach enables joint distraction with lower force requirements and minimizes collateral damage, effectively treating conditions such as avascular necrosis, arthritis, and femoral-acetabular impingements while preserving tissue integrity.
Implementation Method 1
applying a force directly to the anchor assembly to separate and distract the one bone from another bone of the bone joint
Data Source
AI summary
This present invention relates to medical procedures and distraction devices for internal joint distraction.